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

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

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a third grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured within the taking pictures Saturday close to Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Workplace stated.

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automobile, was struck in the leg, the release 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 homicide, tried homicide and other crimes, the sheriff's office stated.

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

In a statement, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing together with his household in South Carolina on the time of the taking pictures, based on NBC Boston. 

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

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

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

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