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

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

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

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automobile, was struck within the leg, the release mentioned. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced dead at a local hospital Monday, NBC Boston reported.

Charles Montgomery Allen, 40, was arrested on suspicion of murder, attempted homicide and other crimes, the sheriff's office stated.

“Investigators allege that Allen fired multiple random rounds at passing automobiles,” the workplace mentioned. No motive has been determined.

In an announcement, Portsmouth Schools Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing together with his family in South Carolina on the time of the shooting, in line with NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our group as a whole,” he said. “Our hearts are with the household as we support one another by means of this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern advised the station: "You go on vacation to make memories that last a lifetime together with your youngsters, 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 is being held at the Florence County Detention Heart, has a lawyer to speak on his behalf.

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