Boy, 8, on trip 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 man capturing randomly at passing cars struck his household’s vehicle, authorities stated Tuesday.

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

Quarius’ father, who was driving the car, was struck in the leg, the discharge mentioned. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced lifeless at a neighborhood hospital Monday, NBC Boston reported.

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

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

In an announcement, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec said Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing together with his household in South Carolina at the time of the capturing, in accordance with NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our neighborhood as an entire,” he mentioned. “Our hearts are with the family as we help each other by way of this unbelievable tragedy.”

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

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

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