Boy, 8, on trip 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 person taking pictures randomly at passing cars struck his family’s automobile, authorities mentioned Tuesday.

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a 3rd grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured in the taking pictures Saturday close to Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Office stated.

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

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

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

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

“An occasion like this touches our community as a complete,” he mentioned. “Our hearts are with the household as we support one another by way of this unbelievable tragedy.”

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

It wasn't immediately clear whether Montgomery, who's 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 Information Digital.