Boy, 8, on vacation in S. Carolina killed by man capturing at random vehicles, officers say

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

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

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automotive, was struck within the leg, the discharge said. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced lifeless at a local hospital Monday, NBC Boston reported.

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

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

In a statement, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing along with his family in South Carolina on the time of the shooting, in response to NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our community as a complete,” he said. “Our hearts are with the household as we support each other by this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern advised 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 was simply sick to my stomach." 

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

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