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

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

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

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automobile, was struck in the leg, the discharge stated. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced useless 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 workplace said.

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

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

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

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern instructed the station: "You go on vacation to make memories that final a lifetime together with your youngsters, and for this tragedy to befall this household, I used to be just sick to my stomach." 

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

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