Sen. Kevin Cramer’s adult son was slapped with a manslaughter charge Thursday after he allegedly triggered a car chase that ended in the death of a sheriff’s deputy in his home state of North Dakota.
Ian Matthew Cramer, 42, was also accused of reckless endangerment, driving under suspension, fleeing a peace officer, and preventing arrest, according to court records.
Authorities responded to reports of a stolen SUV late Wednesday and located Ian Cramer and the vehicle, per the North Dakota Highway Patrol.
When deputies approached, Ian Cramer allegedly sped off, prompting a chase.
At some point, Cramer veered out of his lane and collided head-on with Mercer County Sheriff’s Deputy Paul Martin’s parked vehicle, according to officials.
Martin, 53, who was setting up a tire deflation device, was fatally struck by his own patrol car in a chain reaction from the smash, officials said.
Kevin Cramer (R-ND) said in a statement Wednesday evening that his son “suffers from serious mental disorders which manifest in severe paranoia and hallucinations.”
“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,” Cramer added. “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 slated to make an initial appearance Friday at Mercer County Court.
In 2013, the younger Cramer was hit with a misdemeanor simple assault charge after allegedly knocking his brother over the head. He pleaded guilty and was given a 10-day suspended prison sentence, a year’s probation, and ordered to pay a $150 fine.
Earlier that same year, Cramer pleaded guilty to making a false report to law enforcement and possession of a controlled substance. He was given credit for time served and told to pay a $300 fine.
Martin was an 18-year veteran of the Mercer County Sheriff’s office and married with three children, per authorities.
