Erasmo Alaniz, 26, of Houston was shot and killed on September 13, 2015, during an attempted robbery in north Houston. The family had pulled into a parking space in front of a Subway in the 200 block of Aldine Bender Road and Imperial Valley after watching a Texans game when an armed suspect opened the rear passenger door and pointed a gun at Alaniz’s wife, Deana. Alaniz engaged the gunman and a physical struggle escalated into gunfire. Deana escaped with their 2-year-old daughter, who was unharmed.

Both the suspect and Alaniz died at the scene. The suspect was described as a black male who fled in a Dodge Charger; authorities have not released an identity. Houston police said there is no indication the incident was anything other than a robbery attempt. Family and friends held a candlelight vigil of about 50 people and described Alaniz as a hero who died protecting his family.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Houston Police Department.