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 cars struck his family’s car, authorities said 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 stated.

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

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

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

In an announcement, Portsmouth Colleges Superintendent Steve Zadravec said Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing along with his family in South Carolina on the time of the taking pictures, in accordance with NBC Boston. 

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

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

It wasn't immediately clear whether Montgomery, who is being held on the Florence County Detention Middle, has a lawyer to talk on his behalf.

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