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

An 8-year-old boy vacationing in South Carolina was fatally shot when a man shooting randomly at passing cars struck his family’s car, authorities stated Tuesday.

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

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 local hospital Monday, NBC Boston reported.

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

“Investigators allege that Allen fired a number of random rounds at passing automobiles,” the workplace said. No motive has been determined.

In an announcement, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec said Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing together with his household in South Carolina on the time of the shooting, in accordance with NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our group as a whole,” he stated. “Our hearts are with the family as we assist each other by means of this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern told the station: "You go on vacation to make memories that last a lifetime along with your children, and for this tragedy to befall this family, I was simply sick to my stomach." 

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.