Boy, 8, on trip in S. Carolina killed by man taking pictures at random cars, officials say

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

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

Quarius’ father, who was driving the car, was struck in the leg, the release said. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced lifeless at an area hospital Monday, NBC Boston reported.

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

“Investigators allege that Allen fired a number of random rounds at passing vehicles,” the workplace stated. No motive has been determined.

In a statement, Portsmouth Schools Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing along with his family in South Carolina at the time of the shooting, 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 help one another by means of this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern informed the station: "You go on trip to make reminiscences that last a lifetime together with your kids, and for this tragedy to befall this household, I was simply sick to my abdomen." 

It wasn't instantly 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 News Digital.