A former Vineland police officer busted with a massive cache of guns, a teargas canister, and a live grenade at his home pleaded guilty Thursday to unlawful possession of weapons and ammunition.
Brian Hinkel, 62, of Newfield, pleaded guilty in Gloucester County Superior Court to illegally possessing four assault rifles and 21 large-capacity ammunition magazines, according to a statement from the state Attorney General's office.
Prosecutors will recommend that Hinkel be sentenced to five years in state prison.
State Police stumbled upon Hinkel's arsenal when they visited his home in January 2009 to ask him about his ties to two burglary suspects. Hinkel tried to flee, picking up a gun from his kitchen before the troopers subdued him, police said.