Boy, 8, on trip in S. Carolina killed by man capturing 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 vehicle, authorities stated Tuesday.

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a third grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured in the shooting Saturday close to Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Workplace said.

Quarius’ father, who was driving the car, was struck within the leg, the discharge 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 homicide, attempted murder and other crimes, the sheriff's workplace mentioned.

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

In a press release, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing together with his household in South Carolina at the time of the taking pictures, according to NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our community as an entire,” he said. “Our hearts are with the household as we assist one another by way of this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern instructed the station: "You go on vacation to make memories that last a lifetime with your youngsters, and for this tragedy to befall this household, I used to be simply sick to my abdomen." 

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

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