WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The family of an 18-year-old killed last week by a sheriff’s deputy after pointing a gun at the law enforcer during a traffic stop says the driver’s own actions “ended his life too soon.”

Caleb Douglas’ family said in a statement Saturday that Douglas was “a caring, loving soul,” but that “his troubles were a concern.” The family says Douglas caused “the (Sedgwick County) deputy to fire his own weapon in self-defense.”

Authorities say the deputy spotted a possible impaired driver early Thursday in Wichita and stopped the vehicle. The sheriff says Douglas pointed a handgun at the deputy’s face after being asked to step out of his car.

The sheriff says the deputy retreated before firing at the driver, who drove off before striking a house.