STANTON, N.D. — Ian Matthew Cramer, the 43-year-old son of U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer, plans to plead guilty in connection to a deadly high-speed chase that resulted in the death of Mercer County Deputy Paul Martin. Court documents reveal that Cramer is scheduled for a change-of-plea hearing on Friday, September 18, just days before his trial was set to begin in Mercer County.
The tragic incident unfolded on December 6 of last year when Cramer stole his mother’s vehicle from a hospital parking lot in Bismarck. As police attempted to stop him near Hazen, about 70 miles northwest of the city, Cramer accelerated, leading authorities on a dangerous pursuit. During the chase, Cramer rammed his vehicle into Deputy Martin’s squad car on Highway 200, fatally injuring the 53-year-old deputy, who had set up a tire deflation device to stop him.
Cramer faces multiple charges, including homicide while fleeing law enforcement, reckless endangerment, and possession of drugs. He could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted on the homicide charge.