Son of U.S. Senator Charged With Felony Manslaughter Over Death of Sheriff’s Deputy

The son of U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) was charged with felony manslaughter after allegedly fleeing police and killing a Mercer Co., North Dakota sheriff’s deputy.

Police said that 42-year-old Ian Cramer of Bismarck was being driven to the hospital by his mother around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday due to mental health concerns. He allegedly took the wheel when she exited the SUV, then drove through a door to the enclosed ambulance bay at the emergency department. Cramer’s mother reported the 2017 Chevy Tahoe stolen, and police began pursuit.

According to KVRR, “During the pursuit, Cramer crashed head-on into an unoccupied Mercer County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle that was parked on a roadside approach. The patrol vehicle was displaying its emergency lights at the time.”

The Associated Press reported that 53-year-old deputy Paul Martin was standing behind the vehicle, setting out a tire deflation device when he was struck and killed.

Cramer was charged with felony counts of manslaughter, fleeing a police officer and reckless endangerment. He was also charged with a misdemeanor count of driving with a suspended license.

Sen. Cramer issued the following 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.

Ian Cramer is expected to make his first court appearance on Friday.