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

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

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a 3rd grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured in the taking pictures Saturday close to Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Office stated.

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

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

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

In an announcement, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing along with his household in South Carolina on the time of the capturing, according to NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our group as a whole,” he stated. “Our hearts are with the household as we assist one another through this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern advised the station: "You go on vacation to make reminiscences that final a lifetime together with your youngsters, 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 is being held on the Florence County Detention Middle, has a lawyer to speak on his behalf.

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