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

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

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a 3rd grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured within the taking pictures Saturday close to Florence, the Florence County Sheriff's Office said.

Quarius’ father, who was driving the car, was struck in the leg, the release 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 murder, attempted homicide and other crimes, the sheriff's workplace mentioned.

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

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

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

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern advised the station: "You go on vacation to make reminiscences that final a lifetime together with your youngsters, and for this tragedy to befall this household, I was simply sick to my stomach." 

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

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