Nevada judge shot in his chambers

SAN FRANCISCO - A US family court judge was shot and wounded in the chest today while working in his chambers in Reno, Nevada and a manhunt for the shooter was underway, a police officer said.

Judge Chuck Weller, who typically oversees child custody and divorce cases, was in his office on the third floor of the Washoe County Courthouse in downtown Reno when he was shot at 11.06am local time, either from outside or inside the building, officer Fred Rigelsberger said.

"We have one confirmed shot," he said. "He was wounded in the chest."

A woman in his office was also injured, perhaps by shattered glass, said Steve Frady, a spokesman for the city of Reno. The woman, Annie Allison, an administrative assistant to the judge, was in the office during the incident and suffered superficial wounds, Frady said.

Rigelsberger said it was possible the shot came from a building across the street, adding that the exterior window in the judge's office was shattered.

He said the judge was taken to an area hospital, where he was conscious and talking with his family.

Heavily armed police officers sealed and searched the local courthouse and surrounding area, known for its casinos and hotels, and were still looking for the shooter. City spokesman Frady said a three-by-five block area had been closed off during the search.

Formerly a private attorney specializing in family law, Weller was elected to a six-year term as a judge in 2004. A graduate of Georgetown University Law School, he also hosted a local legal affairs advice radio program from 1989 to 2002.

- REUTERS