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

An 8-year-old boy vacationing in South Carolina was fatally shot when a man capturing randomly at passing automobiles struck his family’s vehicle, authorities mentioned 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 car, was struck in the leg, the release mentioned. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced dead at an area hospital Monday, NBC Boston reported.

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

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

In a statement, Portsmouth Colleges Superintendent Steve Zadravec said Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing along with his family in South Carolina on the time of the shooting, in keeping with NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our group as an entire,” he mentioned. “Our hearts are with the household as we assist one another through this unbelievable tragedy.”

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

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.