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

An 8-year-old boy vacationing in South Carolina was fatally shot when a man shooting randomly at passing vehicles 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 close to Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Office stated.

Quarius’ father, who was driving the car, was struck within the leg, the discharge mentioned. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced dead 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 multiple random rounds at passing automobiles,” the office mentioned. No motive has been determined.

In a press release, Portsmouth Schools Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing together with his household in South Carolina at the time of the taking pictures, in keeping with NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our neighborhood as an entire,” he said. “Our hearts are with the household as we support one another by means of this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern advised the station: "You go on trip to make reminiscences that final a lifetime with your kids, and for this tragedy to befall this family, I used to be just sick to my abdomen." 

It wasn't instantly clear whether Montgomery, who's being held on the Florence County Detention Center, has a lawyer to talk on his behalf.

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