Boy, 8, on trip in S. Carolina killed by man capturing at random vehicles, officers say

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

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

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

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

“Investigators allege that Allen fired a number of random rounds at passing autos,” the workplace mentioned. No motive has been decided.

In a statement, Portsmouth Schools Superintendent Steve Zadravec mentioned Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing with his family in South Carolina at the time of the capturing, in keeping with NBC Boston. 

“An event like this touches our group as a complete,” he mentioned. “Our hearts are with the family as we assist each other via this unbelievable tragedy.”

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern informed the station: "You go on trip to make recollections that final a lifetime together with your kids, and for this tragedy to befall this family, 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 Center, has a lawyer to speak on his behalf.

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