Boy, 8, on vacation in S. Carolina killed by man capturing at random cars, 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 automobile, authorities stated Tuesday.

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

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

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

“Investigators allege that Allen fired a number of 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 together 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 whole,” he stated. “Our hearts are with the family as we support each other through this unbelievable tragedy.”

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

It wasn't immediately clear whether or not 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 Information Digital.