INDIANAPOLIS -- Neighbors stepped in to help the family of a 72-year-old man who was killed Monday night when he tried to intervene in the robbery of a friend outside a restaurant.

Mario Gonzalez-Tello was leaving Mr. Gyros, near 38th Street and Moller Road, when a man attacked his 54-year-old female friend and tried to rob her at gunpoint, 6News' Ericka Flye reported.

"(He) saw what was happening. He tried to come to her aid. He had a weapon, he pulled it out and ended up getting shot several times," said Indianapolis Metro police Sgt. Matt Mount.

After hearing that story, neighbors said they felt compelled to help. They cut grass, chipped wood and maintained Gonzalez-Tello's property Tuesday.

"Mr. Gonzalez was quiet. He kept to himself," said neighbor Kelley Treado. "We didn't see him a lot, but you could always wave across the driveway."

Police said what Gonzalez-Tello tried to do was a good deed, but it went terribly wrong.

"As admirable as it is to want to come to the defense of someone who is in that type of situation, the best thing to do is call the police," Mount said. "Call 911 and get the police out there as soon as possible."

The attacker got away after the shooting and is still on the run.

Neighbors said they were shocked when they learned of the shooting and vowed to do whatever they can to help his family.

Police don't have much of a description to work from as they try to find the shooter. He was described as thin and about 5 feet 3 inches tall. He was wearing a gray shirt, black shorts and a black cap.

Investigators asked anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS.