Det. Brian Menton Was Days From Retiring When He Was Shot By Suspect

YONKERS, NY — A 27-year veteran of the Yonkers police force, who Commissioner John Mueller today called "the best of the best," is awake and recovering in the hospital as federal agents continue to dismantle the interstate drug trafficking conspiracy the wounded policeman was investigating when he was shot on Wednesday.

Mueller said the wounded detective was scheduled to retire next week.

Menton's twin brother, who is also on the police force, is being credited with helping to save his brother's life, rushing him in his own police car to a trauma center considered among the best for the treatment of gunshot wounds.

"I wouldn’t even say probably, even the doctors said he saved his life," Yonkers PBA President Keith Olson told the Westchester Journal News' David Propper.

Police officials also today released security footage that appears to show the moment that 28-year-old Bryant Jackson shot Det. Brian Menton in the stomach at close range in a Yonkers shop. The FBI agent who fatally shot Jackson can be seen entering a bodega on Elm Street in Yonkers with his weapon drawn.

Mueller said, while the surveillance video could be tough to watch, it was being released in the interest of full transparency.

SEE ALSO: Yonkers Detective In Emergency Surgery After Being Shot

"We have the best community in the world in Yonkers," Mueller told reporters at a media briefing today. "It's important for us to share this with them so there is no lingering doubt."

Police officials said many of the details of the Westchester County Safe Streets task force investigation that led to Det. Menton being shot were withheld at the request of federal officials. The Department of Justice has since announced conspiring to traffic firearms charges against two of the men arrested at the bodega. Jackson was named as a deceased co-conspirator.

Bryce Martin and Xavier Simms were arrested for conspiring to traffic firearms from Georgia to New York, according to the FBI. Both men are from Georgia. Simms is 22 years old and Marin is 23 years old.

"As we allege today, Mr. Martin and Mr. Simms conspired to illegally traffic firearms, and, when law enforcement attempted to intervene, one of their co-conspirators shot and critically wounded one of our task force officers," FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael J. Driscoll said. "Subsequent investigation resulted in the recovery of several firearms, including a 'ghost gun,' an untraceable type of weapon that continues to pose a significant threat in our communities. We are grateful for the survival of our partner, and our thoughts remain with him and his loved ones as he continues to recover from his injuries."

The complaint included images prosecutors said were found on the suspects' seized mobile phones, that included dozens of images of handguns and high-power assault-style weapons. Federal officials painted a picture of a highly organized and prolific arms trafficking operation. Prosecutors believe that Simms, Martin and Jackson traveled together from Georgia with an arsenal of untraceable weapons to sell in New York.

"The Yonkers Police and our fantastic federal, state and local partners will never stop from providing a safe and secure environment for our beloved residents," Mueller said. "What took place in this incident is yet another example of the hard work and commitment to mission and heroism. These efforts occur each and every day and will continue for as long as is needed to make our communities safe."