Boy, 8, on vacation 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 man taking pictures randomly at passing cars struck his household’s car, authorities mentioned 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 stated.

Quarius’ father, who was driving the car, was struck in the leg, the discharge mentioned. 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 mentioned.

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

In a press release, Portsmouth Colleges Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing with his family in South Carolina at the time of the shooting, based on NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our group as a complete,” he mentioned. “Our hearts are with the household as we help each other through this unbelievable tragedy.”

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

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

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