Boy, 8, on vacation in S. Carolina killed by man capturing at random vehicles, officers say

An 8-year-old boy vacationing in South Carolina was fatally shot when a man capturing randomly at passing cars struck his family’s automobile, authorities mentioned Tuesday.

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a 3rd 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 automobile, was struck within the leg, the release stated. 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 other crimes, the sheriff's workplace mentioned.

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

In a statement, Portsmouth Colleges Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing together with his family in South Carolina at the time of the capturing, in response to NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our neighborhood as a complete,” he mentioned. “Our hearts are with the family as we support each other 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 youngsters, and for this tragedy to befall this household, I was just sick to my stomach." 

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

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