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

An 8-year-old boy vacationing in South Carolina was fatally shot when a person shooting randomly at passing automobiles struck his family’s car, authorities said Tuesday.

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

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automotive, was struck within the leg, the discharge stated. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced useless 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 stated.

“Investigators allege that Allen fired a number of random rounds at passing vehicles,” the workplace stated. No motive has been determined.

In an announcement, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing together 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 said. “Our hearts are with the household as we help one another via this unbelievable tragedy.”

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

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

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