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
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
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
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.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me