Sen. Kevin Cramer.Photo:Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty
Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty
The son of Sen. Kevin Cramer was charged with manslaughter ina car accidentthat claimed the life of a North Dakota sheriff’s deputy, reports theAssociated Press.
According to theBismarck Police Department, the incident occurred on Wednesday. The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office identified the deceased as Deputy Paul Martin in astatementThursday.
Ian Cramer, 42, of Bismarck “stole his mother’s car, crashed through the doors of Sanford Hospital, fled from police, and ultimately struck a patrol car in Mercer County leading to the deputy’s death," police said.
Bismarck Police Department car.Bismarck Police Department/ Facebook
Bismarck Police Department/ Facebook
Once they were parked at the hospital, “Ian got into the driver’s seat and allegedly rammed the doors of the bay and fled the scene," police said. Officers were dispatched to the location around 4:30 p.m. regarding damage to an overhead door of the ambulance bay.
The charging documents state that Ian then crashed into the deputy’s squad car, pushing it “directly into Martin’s person and launching him for about 100 feet," reports the AP.
Stock image of a crime scene.Getty
Getty
“Our entire community has suffered the tragic loss of Deputy Paul Martin. He is our beloved brother in law enforcement, a husband, father, and grandpa. Our wound is raw, and our hearts are broken,” the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.
“We will put one foot in front of the other and move forward slowly, honoring all the wishes humanly possible of his wife and family,” the sheriff’s office continued.
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Cramer also shareda statementon Wednesday.
“Earlier this evening, our 42-year-old son Ian was involved in a police chase which resulted in an accident that killed an officer,” he said, adding that his son “suffers from serious mental disorders which manifest in severe paranoia and hallucinations.”
Cramer said his family was grieving the situation and they “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. We also ask God for healing for Ian. We love him and hurt deeply.”
source: people.com
