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 man capturing randomly at passing cars struck his household’s automobile, authorities stated 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 car, was struck within the leg, the discharge said. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced dead at an area hospital Monday, NBC Boston reported.

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

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

In a statement, Portsmouth Schools Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing along with his family in South Carolina on the time of the capturing, according to NBC Boston. 

“An occasion like this touches our group as an entire,” he stated. “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 trip to make reminiscences that final a lifetime together with your kids, and for this tragedy to befall this family, I used to be simply sick to my stomach." 

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

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