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

An 8-year-old boy vacationing in South Carolina was fatally shot when a person capturing randomly at passing cars struck his family’s automobile, authorities mentioned Tuesday.

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

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

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

“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 3rd grader — was vacationing along with his family in South Carolina on the time of the taking pictures, in line with NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our community as a complete,” he stated. “Our hearts are with the household as we assist each other via this unbelievable tragedy.”

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

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

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