Boy, 8, on trip 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 person capturing randomly at passing cars struck his family’s car, authorities mentioned Tuesday.

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

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

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

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

In a press release, Portsmouth Schools Superintendent Steve Zadravec said Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing with his family in South Carolina on the time of the taking pictures, in line with NBC Boston. 

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

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern told the station: "You go on vacation to make memories that final a lifetime together with your kids, and for this tragedy to befall this family, I was simply 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 speak on his behalf.

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