Boy, 8, on trip 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 cars struck his family’s vehicle, authorities mentioned Tuesday.

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a 3rd grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured in the capturing Saturday close to Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Workplace mentioned.

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automobile, was struck within the leg, the discharge said. 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 homicide and other crimes, the sheriff's office mentioned.

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

In a press release, Portsmouth Colleges Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing with his household in South Carolina at the time of the shooting, in line with NBC Boston. 

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

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

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

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