Civilians rushed to the aid of an officer with the Midland (TX) Police Department after he was attacked by a man who attempted to take his gun.

According to CBS News, Alex Salinas said he and his family were in their car and passed as the officer came under attack in a parking lot by the assailant.

Salinas then stopped his vehicle and sprang into action, fighting the attacker and quite possibly saving the officer's life in the process.

Another civilian tackled the assailant at the legs.

Salinas said later that he saw the attacker trying to gouge out the officer's eye and putting a hand on the holstered gun.

The officer was not badly injured in the incident but was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment.

The Midland Police Department offered a token of appreciation by delivering a commemorative challenge coin to Salinas' residence.

The Salinas family said they plan to display that coin somewhere in their house as a reminder to always help other people.