Boy, 8, on vacation in S. Carolina killed by man shooting at random automobiles, officials 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 automobile, authorities said Tuesday.

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

Quarius’ father, who was driving the car, was struck in the leg, the release stated. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced useless at a neighborhood hospital Monday, NBC Boston reported.

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

“Investigators allege that Allen fired multiple random rounds at passing vehicles,” the office stated. 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 shooting, in accordance with NBC Boston. 

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

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

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

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