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 cars struck his household’s vehicle, authorities said 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 Office said.

Quarius’ father, who was driving the car, was struck in the leg, the discharge said. The boy was shot in his neck and pronounced useless at a neighborhood hospital Monday, NBC Boston reported.

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

“Investigators allege that Allen fired multiple random rounds at passing automobiles,” the office said. No motive has been determined.

In a statement, Portsmouth Faculties Superintendent Steve Zadravec stated Quarius — a 3rd grader — was vacationing along with his household in South Carolina on the time of the taking pictures, in line with NBC Boston. 

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

Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern informed the station: "You go on vacation to make memories that final a lifetime along with your children, and for this tragedy to befall this household, I was just sick to my abdomen." 

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

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