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

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a third grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured within the capturing Saturday near Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Office mentioned.

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

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

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

In a statement, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing along with his family in South Carolina on the time of the capturing, in line with NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our community as a complete,” he stated. “Our hearts are with the family as we help one another by means of this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern told the station: "You go on vacation to make memories that final a lifetime along with your youngsters, and for this tragedy to befall this family, I was simply sick to my stomach." 

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

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