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

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

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a 3rd grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured within the capturing Saturday close to Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Office said.

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automotive, was struck in the leg, the release mentioned. 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 homicide and other crimes, the sheriff's office stated.

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

In a press release, Portsmouth Colleges Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing with his family in South Carolina at the time of the shooting, in accordance with NBC Boston. 

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

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern informed the station: "You go on vacation to make reminiscences that last a lifetime along with your kids, and for this tragedy to befall this household, I used to be just sick to my stomach." 

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

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