Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

North Dakota Sheriff’s Deputy Killed in Pursuit Crash Involving U.S. Senator’s Son

Ian Cramer, 42, “suffers from serious mental disorders which manifest in severe paranoia and hallucinations,” the senator said in a statement Wednesday.

by Staff
December 7, 2023
North Dakota Sheriff’s Deputy Killed in Pursuit Crash Involving U.S. Senator’s Son

Mercer County (North Dakota) Sheriff's Deputy Paul Martin previously served as a K-9 handler. He was killed Wednesday in a pursuit crash while trying to deploy spikes.

Credit:

Mercer County SO

1 min to read



A Mercer County (North Dakota) Sheriff’s deputy was killed Wednesday trying to end a vehicle pursuit involving the son of a U.S. Senator.

Ad Loading...

Deputy Paul Martin was standing behind his patrol vehicle on Highway 200 when Ian Cramer, son of Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-ND, crashed into it head on after leading local law enforcement on a pursuit, according to the North Dakota Highway Patrol.

According to Sen. Kevin Cramer, while his wife and son were at a Bismarck emergency room, she stepped out of their vehicle and “Ian jumped into the driver’s seat and fled.”

Ian Cramer, 42, “suffers from serious mental disorders which manifest in severe paranoia and hallucinations,” the senator said in a statement Wednesday. 

The Mercer County State's Attorney's Office filed charges Thursday, including manslaughter, against Ian Cramer. The manslaughter charge carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in prison, Inforum reports. If he is convicted of all charges related to the incident, Cramer could get 25 years.

Deputy Martin, 53, was killed as he was preparing to deploy a tire deflation device in an attempt to end the pursuit, the Highway Patrol said.

Ad Loading...


Martin served with the Mercer County Sheriff's Office for 18 years, according to the Highway Patrol. He is survived by his wife and three children.

More Patrol

graphic honoring fallen law enforcement officers featuring a uniformed officer holding a folded American flag, with bold text reading “2026 Roll Call of Heroes” and “363 Fallen Officers Honored,” alongside the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund logo.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

363 Fallen Officers Honored During National Police Week

In case you missed NELOMF’s annual Candlelight Vigil, here are all 363 names of the fallen officers whose names were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.

Read More →
Graphic honoring New York City Police Department officers as “Officer of the Month” for March 2026. The image features portraits of Chief Aaron Edwards and Sergeant Luis Navarro alongside department and recognition text.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

NYPD Officers Who Responded Quickly During IED Incident Recognized as NLEOMF Officers of the Month

Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro were recognized by NLEOMF as Officers of the Month for their response during an IED incident and their actions that helped prevent harm to the public.

Read More →
Infographic summarizing results from a national survey on policing reputation. Ten key findings cover public trust, communication, demographics, media influence, local policing, AI concerns, and emergency response, using charts, icons, and statistics throughout.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

National Police Survey Reveals How Americans View Policing Today

A new national survey offers a comprehensive look at how Americans view policing. The study uncovers public sentiment toward local vs. federal police, communications, crisis response, the use of AI in policing, and more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Product image of a Streamlight TLR-7 X tactical flashlight on a dark background. The compact black weapon-mounted light is shown in close-up beneath the Streamlight logo, highlighting its lens, controls, and mounting hardware.
PatrolMay 14, 2026

Streamlight TLR-7 X Selected as Standard Issue Pistol Light by Canadian Federal Police

The Canadian Federal Police will be adding a new duty pistol system, which will include Streamlight’s TLR-7 X and a Glock 45 MOS 7 pistol with a red dot sight.

Read More →
poeple dressed in dark clothing holding candles during a candlelight vigil.
PatrolMay 8, 2026

Fallen Law Enforcement Officers from Across the Country to be Honored During 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13th in Washington, D.C.

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) will honor 363 fallen officers who have died in the line of duty as their names are added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial during the annual Candlelight Vigil on May 13.

Read More →
Black small medical bag with supplies and a tourniquet at right on a wood table and a large headline at left What Should Be In Your IFAK?
Patrolby Wayne ParhamMay 1, 2026

What Should Be in Your IFAK?

What should every officer include in an IFAK? Sydney Vail, M.D., a veteran trauma surgeon and former SWAT surgeon, explains which components are needed and which are not, and stresses training.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
flashlight turn un and submerged in puddle with rain falling.
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Olight Releases 2 New Baton Variants & the ArkPro Ultra Onyx Black

Olight has added two new lights to the Baton Series, the Baton 4 and the Baton Ultra. One new Baton features up to 1,600 lumens on turbo, and the other 1,800.

Read More →
Black tactical helmet with bright explosion behind it to the left, Team Wendy logo top right, and headline Recon Tactical Bump Helmet
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Team Wendy Reveals New RECON Tactical Bump Helmet

Team Wendy’s new RECON Tactical bump helmet is configurable by color, retention, and accessories for rescue, tactical, and military mission needs. It features Zorbium foam pads, shell vents, and lattice cooling pads that balance impact absorption, airflow, and long-wear support.

Read More →
Black military style leather boot against a blue cobblestone background with a white Garmont Tactical logo.
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Garmont Tactical Introduces the T8 Specter LE Zip for LE Professionals

Garmont Tactical has a new 8-inch duty boot with a side zipper, the T8 Specter LE Zip. The boot is available now and features ankle support in a standard duty profile with polishable leather.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Streamlight searchlight and a scene light on a tripod set against a darkened street scene and Streamlight logo across the top.
PatrolApril 30, 2026

Streamlight Launches LiteBox 1Million & Portable Scene Light III

Streamlight has launched the Portable Scene Light III (PSL III), which delivers up to 10,000 lumens, and the LiteBox 1Million, a one-million-candela long-range search light.

Read More →