Boy, 8, on vacation in S. Carolina killed by man shooting at random automobiles, officers say

An 8-year-old boy vacationing in South Carolina was fatally shot when a person shooting randomly at passing cars struck his family’s vehicle, authorities stated Tuesday.

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a third grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured in the taking pictures Saturday close to Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Workplace stated.

Quarius’ father, who was driving the car, 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, attempted homicide and other crimes, the sheriff's workplace mentioned.

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

In a statement, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing with his household in South Carolina at the time of the shooting, in response to NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our community as a whole,” he mentioned. “Our hearts are with the household as we assist one another by this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern told the station: "You go on vacation to make memories that last a lifetime along with your youngsters, and for this tragedy to befall this family, I used to be just sick to my abdomen." 

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

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