The son of Republican U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer has been charged with felony manslaughter for allegedly killing a Mercer Co., North Dakota sheriff’s deputy.
Ian Cramer, 42, was reportedly being driven to the hospital on Wednesday afternoon over mental health concerns when the incident began.
When they arrived at the hospital, his mother exited the SUV and Cramer grabbed the wheel and drove through a door to the ambulance bay.
Cramer's mother reported the vehicle was stolen and his sister tracked his location through his cellphone — sharing that information with law enforcement.
When deputies found him and approached, Cramer allegedly fled the scene and a chase ensued.
The New York Post reports, "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.
The senator has expressed his condolences for the family and explained that his son “suffers from serious mental disorders which manifest in severe paranoia and hallucinations.”
"Earlier this evening, our 42-year-old son Ian was involved in a police chase which resulted in an accident that killed an officer. Ian suffers from serious mental disorders which manifest in severe paranoia and hallucinations," the statement began.
"Kris was with Ian when he insisted on going to his brother Ike. Ike died in 2018," the senator continued. "Kris took Ian to the Sanford Health emergency room in Bismarck. When she got out of our vehicle, Ian jumped into the driver’s seat and fled. Our daughter was able to track the car through Kris’ cell phone and lead officers to him in Mercer County, ND. We don’t have more details right now but will work with authorities to properly inform the public."
The senator referred to Martin as a "hero" and asked the public to pray for his family.
"I will take the first flight I can to be with our family as we grieve what has happened. 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. 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."
Senator Cramer concluded, "We also ask God for healing for Ian. We love him and hurt deeply."
Ian Cramer has additionally been charged with reckless endangerment, driving under suspension, fleeing a peace officer, and preventing arrest.
