Boy, 8, on vacation in S. Carolina killed by man shooting at random automobiles, officials say

An 8-year-old boy vacationing in South Carolina was fatally shot when a man taking pictures randomly at passing cars struck his household’s automobile, authorities said Tuesday.

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a third grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured within the capturing 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 useless 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 mentioned.

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

In a statement, Portsmouth Schools Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing along with his household in South Carolina on the time of the taking pictures, in accordance with NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our community as a whole,” he stated. “Our hearts are with the family as we help each other by means of this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern informed the station: "You go on trip to make memories that final a lifetime 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's being held at the Florence County Detention Center, has a lawyer to speak on his behalf.

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