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

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

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a 3rd grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured in the shooting Saturday near Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Workplace mentioned.

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automobile, was struck in the leg, the release 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 homicide, attempted murder and other crimes, the sheriff's office said.

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

In a press release, Portsmouth Colleges Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing together with his family in South Carolina at the time of the taking pictures, in accordance with NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our group as an entire,” he said. “Our hearts are with the family as we help one another through this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern informed the station: "You go on vacation to make recollections that final a lifetime with your children, 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 is being held on the Florence County Detention Center, has a lawyer to talk on his behalf.

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