Boy, 8, on trip in S. Carolina killed by man taking pictures 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 vehicles struck his family’s automobile, authorities said Tuesday.

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a 3rd grader from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally injured within the capturing 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 dead at an area hospital Monday, NBC Boston reported.

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

“Investigators allege that Allen fired a number of random rounds at passing vehicles,” the office said. No motive has been decided.

In a press release, Portsmouth Schools Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing with his family in South Carolina on the time of the shooting, in keeping with NBC Boston. 

“An occasion like this touches our group as a whole,” he said. “Our hearts are with the family as we help one another through this unbelievable tragedy.”

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

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

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