Boy, 8, on trip in S. Carolina killed by man capturing at random automobiles, officials 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 automobile, authorities stated Tuesday.

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

Quarius’ father, who was driving the automobile, was struck in the leg, the discharge mentioned. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced useless at an area 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 a number of random rounds at passing vehicles,” the office stated. No motive has been determined.

In a press release, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing together with his household in South Carolina at the time of the capturing, in accordance with NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our group as an entire,” he said. “Our hearts are with the family as we assist each other by means of this unbelievable tragedy.”

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

It wasn't instantly 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 News Digital.