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

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

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

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automotive, was struck within the leg, the release stated. 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 homicide, tried murder and other crimes, the sheriff's office said.

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

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

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

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

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

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