Boy, 8, on vacation in S. Carolina killed by man capturing at random vehicles, officials say

An 8-year-old boy vacationing in South Carolina was fatally shot when a person capturing randomly at passing automobiles struck his family’s car, authorities mentioned Tuesday.

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a 3rd grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured in the shooting Saturday near Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Office stated.

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automotive, was struck within the leg, the discharge stated. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced dead at an area hospital Monday, NBC Boston reported.

Charles Montgomery Allen, 40, was arrested on suspicion of murder, tried murder and different crimes, the sheriff's workplace mentioned.

“Investigators allege that Allen fired a number of random rounds at passing vehicles,” the office mentioned. No motive has been determined.

In a press release, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing with his household in South Carolina on the time of the taking pictures, in response to NBC Boston. 

“An occasion like this touches our community as an entire,” he said. “Our hearts are with the household as we support one another by way of this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern advised the station: "You go on trip to make reminiscences that final a lifetime with your kids, and for this tragedy to befall this household, I used to be simply sick to my abdomen." 

It wasn't immediately clear whether Montgomery, who is being held at the Florence County Detention Heart, has a lawyer to talk on his behalf.

Tim Stelloh is a breaking information reporter for NBC News Digital.