Senator's Son Charged with Manslaughter in Car Chase That Killed Officer

Sen. Kevin Cramer's son was charged with manslaughter Thursday after a car chase that led to the death of a sheriff's deputy in North Dakota.

Ian Matthew Cramer, 42, was also charged with reckless endangerment and related charges concerning the deadly incident.

Sen. Kevin Cramer's son charged with manslaughter in car chase that killed sheriff's deputy https://t.co/PCXbVOsDeu via @nypost

— Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) December 8, 2023

"Authorities responded to reports of a stolen SUV late Wednesday and located Ian Cramer and the vehicle, per the North Dakota Highway Patrol," the New York Post reported.

"When deputies approached, Ian Cramer allegedly sped off, prompting a chase. 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," it added.

Mercer County ND Sheriff’s deputy Paul Martin, 53, killed during pursuit identified; charges pending against US Sen. Cramer’s son ,42-year-old son Ian Cramer https://t.co/IwWQPk6qp9

— Blue Lives Matter 💎 (@RetiredNYCPD) December 7, 2023

“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," Cramer's office said in a statement.

"Kris was with Ian when he insisted on going to his brother Ike. Ike died in 2018. 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," it continued.

The investigation continues and details are still to be released in the tragic death of the law enforcement official.

The senator's son's charges could include a long prison sentence if found guilty of all charges.

The action is currently held at a detention center ahead of an upcoming hearing where more information will be revealed regarding the crash.

The family and community of the lost officer remain in mourning while those involved seek to determine what happened and how to move forward with the investigation.