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 capturing randomly at passing vehicles struck his household’s automobile, authorities said Tuesday.

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a 3rd grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured within the shooting Saturday close to Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Workplace mentioned.

Quarius’ father, who was driving the car, was struck in 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 homicide, attempted murder and other crimes, the sheriff's workplace said.

“Investigators allege that Allen fired multiple random rounds at passing autos,” the workplace stated. No motive has been determined.

In an announcement, Portsmouth Schools Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing with his household in South Carolina at the time of the capturing, based on NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our community as a complete,” he mentioned. “Our hearts are with the family as we help each other by this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern instructed the station: "You go on vacation to make reminiscences that last a lifetime together with your youngsters, and for this tragedy to befall this household, I was simply sick to my stomach." 

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

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