Boy, 8, on trip in S. Carolina killed by man shooting at random cars, officials say

An 8-year-old boy vacationing in South Carolina was fatally shot when a man shooting randomly at passing vehicles struck his household’s car, authorities mentioned Tuesday.

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

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automobile, was struck within the leg, the release mentioned. 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, attempted murder and different crimes, the sheriff's workplace said.

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

In a press release, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing along with his household in South Carolina on the time of the taking pictures, according to NBC Boston. 

“An occasion like this touches our community as a complete,” he said. “Our hearts are with the household as we support one another via 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 was just sick to my stomach." 

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

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