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

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

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

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automotive, 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 murder, attempted homicide and different crimes, the sheriff's workplace said.

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

In a statement, Portsmouth Schools Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing with his family in South Carolina at the time of the taking pictures, in response to NBC Boston. 

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

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

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

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