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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“An event like this touches our neighborhood as a complete,” he stated. “Our hearts are with the family as we help each other by way of this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern told the station: "You go on vacation to make reminiscences that last a lifetime together with your children, and for this tragedy to befall this household, I used to be just sick to my stomach." 

It wasn't immediately clear whether or not Montgomery, who is being held at the Florence County Detention Center, has a lawyer to speak on his behalf.

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