Boy, 8, on trip in S. Carolina killed by man capturing at random vehicles, officials 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 within the taking pictures Saturday near Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Office mentioned.

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automotive, was struck within the leg, the discharge 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, attempted homicide and other crimes, the sheriff's office said.

“Investigators allege that Allen fired a number of random rounds at passing automobiles,” the office said. No motive has been decided.

In a press release, Portsmouth Schools Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing along with his family in South Carolina on the time of the shooting, in keeping with NBC Boston. 

“An occasion like this touches our community as a whole,” 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 trip to make memories that last a lifetime together with your children, and for this tragedy to befall this household, I used to be simply 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 Information Digital.