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 family’s vehicle, authorities said Tuesday.

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

Quarius’ father, who was driving the car, was struck within the leg, the discharge stated. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced useless at a neighborhood hospital Monday, NBC Boston reported.

Charles Montgomery Allen, 40, was arrested on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and other crimes, the sheriff's workplace stated.

“Investigators allege that Allen fired a number of random rounds at passing autos,” the office stated. No motive has been determined.

In an announcement, Portsmouth Colleges Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing along with his family in South Carolina on the time of the taking pictures, in line with NBC Boston. 

“An occasion like this touches our group as a complete,” he mentioned. “Our hearts are with the family as we support each other through this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern told the station: "You go on vacation to make memories that final a lifetime together with your children, and for this tragedy to befall this family, I was simply sick to my abdomen." 

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

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