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

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

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

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

Charles Montgomery Allen, 40, was arrested on suspicion of homicide, attempted homicide and different crimes, the sheriff's workplace mentioned.

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

In a statement, Portsmouth Schools Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing along with his household in South Carolina on the time of the taking pictures, 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 told the station: "You go on vacation to make memories that final a lifetime along with your children, and for this tragedy to befall this family, I used to be just 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 talk on his behalf.

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