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

An 8-year-old boy vacationing in South Carolina was fatally shot when a person shooting randomly at passing vehicles struck his household’s car, authorities said 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 Office 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 lifeless at a local hospital Monday, NBC Boston reported.

Charles Montgomery Allen, 40, was arrested on suspicion of murder, tried homicide and different crimes, the sheriff's office said.

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

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

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

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern advised the station: "You go on trip to make reminiscences that final a lifetime with your youngsters, and for this tragedy to befall this family, I used to be just sick to my abdomen." 

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

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