Boy, 8, on trip in S. Carolina killed by man shooting at random vehicles, officials say

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

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

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

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

“Investigators allege that Allen fired a number of random rounds at passing vehicles,” the office mentioned. No motive has been decided.

In a press release, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec said Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing together with his family in South Carolina on the time of the shooting, in accordance with NBC Boston. 

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

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern advised 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 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 information reporter for NBC News Digital.