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

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

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a third grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured within the shooting Saturday close to Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Office mentioned.

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

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

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

In a statement, Portsmouth Colleges Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing with his family in South Carolina at the time of the capturing, in response to NBC Boston. 

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

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

It wasn't immediately 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 news reporter for NBC News Digital.