Boy, 8, on trip in S. Carolina killed by man shooting at random automobiles, officials 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 third grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured in the capturing Saturday near Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Office mentioned.

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

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

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

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 taking pictures, in line with NBC Boston. 

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

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern advised the station: "You go on trip to make reminiscences that last a lifetime with your kids, and for this tragedy to befall this household, I was just sick to my stomach." 

It wasn't immediately clear whether Montgomery, who's being held on the Florence County Detention Middle, has a lawyer to talk on his behalf.

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