Dson of a North Dakota senator, Ian Cramer, finds himself in hot water following a high-speed chase that left a lawmaker dead. According to a press release from the North Dakota Highway Patrol, authorities initiated the pursuit after receiving a report of a stolen vehicle in Bismarck. As they approached, Cramer, driving a Chevrolet Tahoe, sped off.
The chase concluded when Cramer collided with an unoccupied Mercer County sheriff's patrol vehicle parked at the roadside. The deputy from Mercer County, Paul Martin, 53, was reportedly outside the vehicle, preparing to halt the pursuit with a tire deflation device. The impact flung the patrol car, leading to Martin's fatal injury.
Cramer stands accused of manslaughter, fleeing from police, obstruction of justice, reckless endangerment, and driving while incarcerated. CNN has yet to confirm whether or not Cramer has secured legal representation. According to court records, he is scheduled to appear before a judge for the first time on Friday.
In a statement, Senator Cramer revealed that his son is grappling with a severe mental health issue, characterized by extreme paranoia and hallucinations. Cramer also shared that his wife admitted Ian to Sanford Health Center in Bismarck on Wednesday, but upon exiting the vehicle, Ian jumped into the driver's seat and sped off.
Cramer's daughter was reportedly able to track down the authorities using her mother's phone to help locate her brother. "We are deeply saddened by the loss of the hero who attempted to aid Ian, and we pray for mercy during these challenging times," Cramer expressed his condolences.
Martin leaves behind his wife and three children and had served as a Mercer County deputy for 18 years. Following Martin's passing, the North Dakota Highway Patrol paid tribute to him and his family, friends, and the Mercer County community on their Facebook page.
Further Reading:
The encompassing details highlighting the manslaughter charges against Ian Cramer involve Kevin Cramer, who admitted guilt to charges tied to a hospital crash that triggered a pursuit and subsequent collision, which resulted in the death of a North Dakota deputy.
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