A Lauderdale County Chancery Court judge was shot Monday morning outside the Lauderdale County Courthouse in downtown Meridian.

According to the Meridian Star, Judge Charles E. Smith was taken to a hospital in critical condition with a gunshot wound near his abdomen.

Meridian police officers believe one shot was fired in the incident, Meridian Police Lt. Rita Jack told the Meridian newspaper.

At approximately 7:15 a.m., Meridian police responded to the shooting occurred in the parking lot of the courthouse.

Meridian police have no suspect or vehicle description, but will be reviewing surveillance video, Jack said.