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

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

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

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automobile, was struck in the leg, the release said. 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 murder, attempted murder and other crimes, the sheriff's office said.

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

In a press release, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing with his household in South Carolina at the time of the taking pictures, in accordance with NBC Boston. 

“An occasion like this touches our neighborhood as an entire,” he stated. “Our hearts are with the family as we assist one another by this unbelievable tragedy.”

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

It wasn't instantly 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 news reporter for NBC Information Digital.