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

An 8-year-old boy vacationing in South Carolina was fatally shot when a person taking pictures randomly at passing automobiles struck his family’s vehicle, authorities mentioned Tuesday.

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

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automobile, was struck in the leg, the discharge said. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced useless at a local hospital Monday, NBC Boston reported.

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

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

In a statement, Portsmouth Schools Superintendent Steve Zadravec said Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing together with his family in South Carolina on the time of the capturing, according to NBC Boston. 

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

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

It wasn't instantly 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 information reporter for NBC News Digital.