📍 Bismarck, ND – The son of U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer has pleaded guilty to stealing a vehicle and causing the death of a Mercer County deputy during a high-speed police chase.
Defendant:
- Ian Matthew Cramer, 43
Charges & Potential Sentence:
- Felony Theft, Criminal Mischief, and Reckless Endangerment
- Facing up to 25 additional years in prison
- Already sentenced to 28 years for homicide while fleeing a peace officer
Incident Details
đź“… Date & Time:
- December 6, 2023
🚨 Initial Crime – Vehicle Theft:
- Ian Cramer’s mother, Kris Cramer, took him to Sanford Health ER in Bismarck over mental health concerns.
- While she was inside speaking with hospital staff, Cramer stole her vehicle from the ambulance bay.
- He crashed into a garage door while fleeing, causing $13,000 in damages.
Fatal Police Chase & Deputy’s Death
đźš” Pursuit Begins:
- Cramer fled Bismarck toward Hazen, 70 miles northwest.
- Law enforcement spotted him in Hazen, but he continued fleeing on U.S. Highway 200.
🛑 Deputy Paul Martin’s Attempt to Stop Him:
- Mercer County Deputy Paul Martin, 53, set up spike strips to stop the vehicle.
- Martin took cover behind his squad car while deploying the strips.
- Cramer crashed into the squad car, killing Martin instantly.
Legal Proceedings & Sentencing
đź“ś Initial Sentencing (December 2024):
- Cramer was sentenced to 28 years in prison for homicide while fleeing law enforcement.
- He will serve approximately 22.5 years before his earliest release date (June 19, 2047).
⚖️ Latest Guilty Plea (February 11, 2025):
- He pleaded guilty to theft, criminal mischief, and reckless endangerment.
- Could face up to 25 additional years at his March 19 sentencing.
- No minimum sentence requirement for these charges.
Deputy Paul Martin Remembered
- 15-year law enforcement veteran with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.
- Beloved K-9 handler and respected in the community.
- Leaves behind family, friends, and fellow officers mourning his loss.
Final Thoughts
💬 This case has shocked North Dakota, particularly due to the involvement of a high-profile politician’s family.
🚦 Cramer’s reckless actions resulted in the tragic death of Deputy Paul Martin, and he now faces decades behind bars.
📢 More updates will follow after sentencing.
đź“ť I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me