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

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

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

Quarius’ father, who was driving the car, was struck in the leg, the release stated. 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 homicide, attempted murder and different crimes, the sheriff's office said.

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

In a press release, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec said Quarius — a third grader — was vacationing with his household in South Carolina at the time of the shooting, based on NBC Boston. 

“An occasion like this touches our community as a complete,” he stated. “Our hearts are with the household as we support each other by this unbelievable tragedy.”

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

It wasn't instantly clear whether Montgomery, who's 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.