Bismarck, ND – A Bismarck man was sentenced to 28 years in prison today for a deadly crash that occurred during a high-speed police chase in December 2023. Ian Cramer, 31, pled guilty in September to nine charges, including homicide while fleeing a police officer, following the fatal collision that took the life of Mercer County Sheriff’s Deputy Paul Martin.
State District Judge Bobbi Weiler imposed a sentence of 38 years, with 10 years suspended, credit for over a year served in jail, and three years of probation. The sentence also included recommendations for addiction and mental health treatment. However, Judge Weiler cautioned that Cramer may not serve the full 28 years, citing the state’s parole policies, which could allow him to be released after serving only a fraction of his sentence.
The charges Cramer was convicted on included homicide while fleeing a peace officer, reckless endangerment, and multiple drug possession offenses. In addition, he was found guilty of fleeing a police officer in a vehicle, preventing arrest, and driving under suspension.
The tragic chain of events began on December 6, 2023, when Cramer’s mother, concerned about her son’s mental health, took him to a hospital. Court documents revealed that Cramer took control of the vehicle after his mother exited, smashing the car through the hospital’s closed garage door. Authorities said that after the crash, Cramer fled from law enforcement officers who had attempted to stop him in Hazen, about 70 miles from Bismarck.
During the pursuit, Cramer reached speeds in excess of 100 mph, ignoring stop efforts even after two of his tires were deflated by a spike strip. The pursuit ended when Cramer crashed head-on into Deputy Martin’s patrol vehicle. The impact launched the deputy’s vehicle approximately 100 feet, and Martin, 53, was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
In court, Cramer, wearing an orange jumpsuit and sitting quietly beside his public defender, expressed deep remorse for the incident. When given the chance to speak, he offered an apology to Deputy Martin’s family. “I had no intention to do any of this. It was an accident, and I just hope that someday they can forgive me,” Cramer said. He also expressed his belief that the best course of action for him would be to seek further help at a treatment facility.
Judge Weiler emphasized that the sentencing was a step toward justice for Deputy Martin’s family, but also acknowledged that Cramer’s actions have left lasting scars on the community. “The second chance that you may receive on parole will not undo the loss Deputy Martin’s family will feel for the rest of their lives,” she said during the hearing.
Cramer’s case has drawn attention due to the tragic nature of the event and the impact it has had on law enforcement and the community. With a sentence handed down, many hope that it will also serve as a reminder of the importance of mental health treatment and the dangers of high-speed pursuits.
