Ian Cramer, the 42-year-old son of U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer from North Dakota, has been charged with manslaughter and additional felonies following a car chase that led to the death of a sheriff’s deputy. The incident occurred on Wednesday, December 5, 2023, in North Dakota.

The incident began with Kris Cramer, wife of Senator Kevin Cramer, taking their son Ian to an emergency room in Bismarck, North Dakota, for a severe mental health crisis. Ian, suffering from serious mental disorders, unexpectedly drove off in the car when his mother exited the vehicle, crashing through an ambulance bay door. This action initiated a police chase.

During the pursuit, reaching speeds of 100 mph and spanning approximately five miles, the chase concluded near Hazen, North Dakota, roughly 70 miles from the state capital. Ian Cramer, driving a black 2017 Chevrolet SUV, collided with a stationary sheriff’s patrol car. Deputy Paul Martin, 53, who had been deploying a tire deflation device, was struck and fatally injured in the collision.

Deputy Martin, an 18-year veteran of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, was propelled about 100 feet by the impact, resulting in his death.

Ian Cramer was apprehended and now faces charges including manslaughter, fleeing police, resisting arrest, and reckless endangerment. These charges relate to both the fatal pursuit and his initial escape from the hospital entrance.

Senator Kevin Cramer released a statement expressing sorrow over the incident, focusing on his son’s mental health issues. He acknowledged the deep impact of the event on everyone involved, particularly Deputy Martin’s family.

Sheriff Terry Ternes of Mercer County expressed the law enforcement community’s and Martin’s family’s profound grief at the loss of Deputy Martin.