Senator Cramer’s Son Charged in Fatal Accident (Updated)

UPDATE 4:00 PM:

Ian Cramer faces four felony charges: manslaughter-adult victim, fleeing a peace officer-vehicle fleeing from felony, preventing arrest and reckless endangerment-extreme indifference-dangerous weapon, and one misdemeanor charge of driving under suspension.

Cramer’s initial court appearance is scheduled Friday afternoon in Mercer County.

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Authorities have released additional details into a fatal crash involving the 42-year-old son of U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer. The North Dakota Patrol says Ian Cramer struck a Mercer County Sheriff’s vehicle during a pursuit on Wednesday. Authorities say the impact pushed the squad into a deputy – killing him.

Bismarck Police say they were called to the Sanford Emergency Room around 4:30 p.m. regarding damage to an overhead door. When officers arrived they were informed that Ian Cramer was brought there by his mother due to a mental health issue. As they parked in the ambulance bay Cramer jumped into the driver’s seat and allegedly rammed the doors and fled the scene.

Ian Cramer was taken into custody around 5:30 p.m. about five miles west of Hazen on Highway 220. He was brought to the Sakakawea Medical Center in Hazen — and later transported to the McLean County Detention Center in Washburn.

Senator Cramer has issued a personal statement saying his son suffers from “serious mental disorders” which manifest in “severe paranoia and hallucinations.” He goes on to say “We ask the public for prayers for the lost officer’s family and colleagues.”

The Mercer County Sheriff’s office has identified the deputy killed as 53 year old Paul Martin of Beulah. He was an 18-year veteran with the department.
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Original story:

A Mercer County sheriff’s deputy was killed during the pursuit of a 42 year old Bismarck man on Wednesday.

The North Dakota Patrol reports Bismarck Police received a report of a stolen vehicle. The Mercer County Sheriff’s Department spotted the stolen SUV and a pursuit ensued.

During the chase the suspect driver crashed head-on into a squad that was parked on the side of the road with emergency lights on Authorities say the impact pushed the patrol vehicle into the deputy who was attempting to deploy a tire deflation device – killing him.

The NDHP identified the suspect as Ian Cramer – the son of U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer. In a written statement Senator Cramer stated his son “suffers from serious mental disorders which manifest in severe paranoia and hallucinations.”
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Senator Cramer Releases Personal Statement:

“Earlier this evening, our 42-year-old son Ian was involved in a police chase which resulted in an accident that killed an officer. Ian suffers from serious mental disorders which manifest in severe paranoia and hallucinations. Kris was with Ian when he insisted on going to his brother Ike. Ike died in 2018. Kris took Ian to the Sanford Health emergency room in Bismarck. When she got out of our vehicle, Ian jumped into the driver’s seat and fled. Our daughter was able to track the car through Kris’ cell phone and lead officers to him in Mercer County, ND. We don’t have more details right now but will work with authorities to properly inform the public.

“I will take the first flight I can to be with our family as we grieve what has happened. We grieve especially for the family of the hero who tried to help Ian, and we pray for our gracious God to show up as He always does in tragedy. We ask the public for prayers for the lost officer’s family and colleagues who serve us every day and are grateful for all they do for us.

“We also ask God for healing for Ian. We love him and hurt deeply.”