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

An 8-year-old boy vacationing in South Carolina was fatally shot when a person capturing randomly at passing cars struck his household’s automobile, authorities said Tuesday.

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a third grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured within the shooting Saturday close to Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Office stated.

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

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

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

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

“An occasion like this touches our community as an entire,” he stated. “Our hearts are with the household as we support each other via this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern advised the station: "You go on trip to make reminiscences that last a lifetime together with your youngsters, and for this tragedy to befall this family, I was simply sick to my abdomen." 

It wasn't instantly clear whether or not Montgomery, who's 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.