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

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

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a third grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured within the taking pictures Saturday close to Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Workplace mentioned.

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automotive, was struck in the leg, the release stated. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced dead at a local hospital Monday, NBC Boston reported.

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

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

In an announcement, Portsmouth Schools Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing together with his household in South Carolina on the time of the taking pictures, in line with NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our group as a complete,” he mentioned. “Our hearts are with the family as we assist one another by means of this unbelievable tragedy.”

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

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

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