Boy, 8, on trip 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 automobile, 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 said.

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

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

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

In a statement, Portsmouth Colleges Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing together with his household in South Carolina on the time of the capturing, in line with NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our community as a complete,” he said. “Our hearts are with the household as we support each other via this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern informed the station: "You go on vacation to make reminiscences that last a lifetime together 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 Middle, has a lawyer to speak on his behalf.

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