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

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

Quarius’ father, who was driving the car, was struck within 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, tried murder and different crimes, the sheriff's workplace said.

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

In a press release, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing with his household in South Carolina at the time of the shooting, according to NBC Boston. 

“An occasion like this touches our neighborhood as an entire,” he said. “Our hearts are with the household as we help each other by way of this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern instructed the station: "You go on trip to make memories that final a lifetime together with your kids, 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 Middle, has a lawyer to talk on his behalf.

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