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 car, authorities said Tuesday.

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a 3rd grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured within the taking pictures Saturday near Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Office stated.

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

“Investigators allege that Allen fired multiple random rounds at passing automobiles,” the workplace said. No motive has been decided.

In an announcement, Portsmouth Colleges Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing with his household in South Carolina on the time of the shooting, in accordance with NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our group as an entire,” he mentioned. “Our hearts are with the family as we assist each other by means of this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern informed the station: "You go on vacation to make reminiscences that final a lifetime with your youngsters, 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's being held at the Florence County Detention Center, has a lawyer to talk on his behalf.

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