A 42-year-old Bismarck man accused of killing a Mercer County Sheriff’s Deputy during a high-speed chase made his initial court appearance this (Mon) afternoon on updated charges.
Ian Cramer appeared remotely for the Mercer County Court hearing.
Cramer was originally charged with manslaughter in the Dec. 6th death of 53-year-old Deputy Paul Martin, but the charge was upgraded to Class-A felony homicide while fleeing a peace officer.
Cramer also faces felony counts of fleeing a police officer, preventing arrest and reckless endangerment. Drug charges include possession of methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Cramer did not enter a plea today. His attorney, Kevin McCabe, said he is gathering information for a mental health evaluation.
Judge Bobbi Weiler continued bail at $500,000 cash and scheduled Cramer’s preliminary hearing for Feb. 7.
Cramer is the son of North Dakota U-S Senator Kevin Cramer, who had said his son has serious mental disorders.