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 man capturing randomly at passing cars struck his family’s automobile, authorities mentioned Tuesday.

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a 3rd 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 car, was struck in the leg, the discharge said. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced lifeless at a local hospital Monday, NBC Boston reported.

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

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

In a statement, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing along with his family in South Carolina on the time of the taking pictures, in keeping with NBC Boston. 

“An occasion like this touches our group as an entire,” he mentioned. “Our hearts are with the family as we assist one another by this unbelievable tragedy.”

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

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 news reporter for NBC News Digital.