Ian Cramer: North Dakota senator Kevin Cramer's son faces upgraded homicide charge in crash that killed sheriff's deputy
HAZEN, NORTH DAKOTA: Ian Cramer, the 42-year-old son of Senator Kevin Cramer from North Dakota, faced newly approved charges on Thursday, December 14, upgrading the initial manslaughter charge to homicide after a fatal crash claimed the life of a North Dakota sheriff's deputy Paul Martin.
The incident unfolded when authorities responded to reports of a stolen SUV late Wednesday, December 6, leading them to Ian and the stolen vehicle, according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol.
What are the charges against Ian Cramer?
This upgraded charge carries higher maximum penalties than the initial manslaughter charge. If convicted, Ian could potentially face up to 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
He is currently charged with a total of nine offenses, including four felonies.
In addition to the upgraded homicide charge, Ian is accused of fleeing a police officer, preventing arrest, and reckless endangerment.
The charges also include drug-related offenses such as possession of methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
The drug charges surfaced after authorities discovered several grams of meth, cocaine, and marijuana in a backpack, along with baggies, rolled-up dollar bills, smoking devices, and lighters.
During Ian's recent court appearance, District Judge Bobbi Weiler set a $500,000 cash bond, as requested by prosecutors, and ordered a mental health evaluation, as per Fox.
What led to the tragic car crash?
According to the Bismark Police Department's press release, deputies responded to Sanford Hospital on December 6 regarding reports of damage to an overhead door in the ambulance bay.
At the time, Ian's mother, Kris Cramer had taken him to the local hospital during a mental health episode. However, Ian fled from the hospital, stole his mother's SUV, and crashed it into the ambulance bay doors.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered that Ian had fled, but a cellphone tracking device confirmed he was still in the stolen vehicle.
Multiple agencies collaborated to track him down, and he was eventually apprehended. During the pursuit, Ian collided with Deputy Martin's police cruiser, resulting in the immediate death of the 53-year-old sheriff's deputy.
