Boy, 8, on trip in S. Carolina killed by man taking pictures 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 family’s vehicle, authorities stated Tuesday.

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

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automobile, was struck in the leg, the discharge mentioned. 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, tried murder and other 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 decided.

In a press release, Portsmouth Schools Superintendent Steve Zadravec said Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing together with his family in South Carolina on the time of the shooting, according to NBC Boston. 

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

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern instructed the station: "You go on vacation to make recollections that last a lifetime together with your children, and for this tragedy to befall this household, I was just sick to my abdomen." 

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

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