US Sen. Kevin Cramer’s son charged with manslaughter in crash that killed North Dakota deputy

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The 42-year-old son of U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer is facing serious legal charges following a tragic incident in North Dakota. According to online court records, Ian Cramer has been charged with manslaughter and fleeing an officer in connection with a police pursuit that ended in a fatal crash involving a North Dakota sheriff’s deputy.

The sequence of events leading to these charges began when Ian Cramer was taken to a hospital in Bismarck due to concerns about his mental health. While at the hospital’s emergency department, he abruptly took control of the vehicle and fled through a door, prompting his mother to seek assistance from law enforcement.

Approximately an hour later, Ian Cramer was spotted in Hazen, a town about 70 miles northwest of Bismarck, by a deputy from Mercer County. This encounter initiated a high-speed chase, during which charging documents allege that Ian Cramer exceeded 100 mph. To stop him, a Beulah police officer deployed a tire deflation device, which flattened Cramer’s two driver’s side tires. Subsequently, Beulah Chief of Police Frank Senn and Deputy Paul Martin sought cover behind their patrol cars after additional tire deflation devices were used.

Tragically, Cramer swerved on the highway and collided head-on with the patrol vehicle, resulting in Deputy Paul Martin’s untimely death. Charging documents describe the impact, pushing the patrol vehicle directly into Deputy Martin and launching him approximately 100 feet.

Following the collision, Ian Cramer was taken to a hospital for evaluation and then taken into custody. In a statement, Senator Kevin Cramer expressed his condolences for Deputy Martin’s family and colleagues, highlighting that his son Ian struggles with severe mental disorders, including paranoia and hallucinations.

The incident has left the law enforcement community in shock and mourning, with Mercer County Sheriff Terry Ternes describing Deputy Martin as a beloved figure in law enforcement—a husband, father, and grandparent. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff in honor of Deputy Martin until his interment.

Additionally, the Sanford Health hospital in Bismarck sustained damage to its emergency department’s main entrance during the episode, temporarily affecting its functionality. The hospital confirmed that no one was injured.

This tragic incident has not only impacted the Cramer family but has also left the community in deep sorrow. Deputy Martin is remembered as a dedicated and caring law enforcement officer who made a positive impact on those he served.

Senator Kevin Cramer, who has been a staunch advocate for law enforcement, expressed his family’s grief and empathy for the family of the fallen deputy, underscoring the heroism of police officers, despite their imperfections. This devastating event adds to the family’s history of hardship, as they have previously faced personal tragedies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Manslaughter

More about Manslaughter

• Manslaughter Charges Filed Against Ian Cramer
• North Dakota Sheriff’s Deputy Killed in Fatal Crash
• Senator Kevin Cramer’s Statement on the Incident
• Governor Doug Burgum’s Flag Order in Honor of Deputy Martin
• Community Mourns Deputy Paul Martin’s Passing
• Ian Cramer’s Prior Legal Record
• Sanford Health Hospital’s Statement on Damage
• Senator Kevin Cramer’s Advocacy for Law Enforcement