Boy, 8, on trip in S. Carolina killed by man shooting at random vehicles, officers 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 said Tuesday.

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a third grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured in the capturing Saturday close to Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Workplace stated.

Quarius’ father, who was driving the car, was struck in the leg, the release stated. 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 murder, tried murder and other crimes, the sheriff's office said.

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

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

“An occasion like this touches our community as a whole,” he stated. “Our hearts are with the household as we support each other by way of this unbelievable tragedy.”

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

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

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