WILDOMAR - A man suspected of firing a rifle at a father and son outside a Wildomar residence was shot by deputies when he allegedly confronted them with the gun, authorities said today.

Richard Mount, Jr., 54, suffered non-life-threatening wounds Tuesday night after stepping onto the front porch of a home in the 24000 block of Mercer Lane while allegedly carrying an "assault-style rifle," according to Riverside County sheriff's Sgt. Lisa McConnell.

She said that around 7:15 p.m., deputies were summoned to the location in response to reports of shots fired from the house.

A man told investigators that he was dropping his juvenile son at the residence, and after beeping the car horn to get his ex-wife's attention, heard shots ring out and saw apparent muzzle flashes coming from inside the dwelling, McConnell said.

The victims sped away and called 911.

Deputies, including members of the Advertisement

[ Carrington Home Loans ] sheriff's Special Weapons Team, surrounded the house and attempted numerous times to contact the occupants via telephone and a public address system, McConnell said.

"(Deputies) observed movement and lights turning on and off from inside the residence," she said, adding that gunshots were heard in the area during that time.

"A male subject exited the residence via the front door holding what appeared to be an assault-style rifle," McConnell said. "Two (deputies) ... positioned to the front of the house, believing the suspect was going to shoot at them, discharged their weapons, shooting the suspect."

Mount was taken to a hospital for treatment and later booked into the Southwest Detention Center in Murrieta on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, according to McConnell.

Bail information was not immediately available.

The deputies, per sheriff's policy, were placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation.