Boy, 8, on vacation 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 automobiles struck his household’s car, authorities mentioned Tuesday.

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a third 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 discharge said. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced dead at a neighborhood hospital Monday, NBC Boston reported.

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

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

In a statement, Portsmouth Colleges Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing with his family in South Carolina on the time of the taking pictures, in accordance with NBC Boston. 

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

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern informed the station: "You go on vacation to make memories that last a lifetime with your youngsters, and for this tragedy to befall this family, I used to be just 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 talk on his behalf.

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