Sen. Kevin Cramer’s Son Faces Manslaughter Charge in Crash That Killed North Dakota Sheriff’s Deputy

The senator from North Dakota referred to Deputy Paul Martin as "the hero who tried to help" his son

The son of Sen. Kevin Cramer was charged with manslaughter in a car accident that claimed the life of a North Dakota sheriff’s deputy, reports the Associated Press.

According to the Bismarck Police Department, the incident occurred on Wednesday.  The Mercer County Sheriff's Office identified the deceased as Deputy Paul Martin in a statement Thursday.

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.

Earlier, Ian was brought to Sanford Emergency Room by his mother after “exhibiting mental health issues," the Bismarck police said.

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.

Related: Nurse Charged After Deadly L.A. Crash Might Have Lost Consciousness Before Crash, Suffered Mental Health Break

The 42-year-old was already gone by the time the police arrived. However, they were able to track his cell phone to find his location and other law enforcement agencies joined.

A police chase ensued, and despite having two flat tires from a police-laid tire deflation device, Ian reached speeds over 100 mph, according to charging documents obtained by the AP.

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.

“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.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Cramer also shared a statement on 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.”

Related: Texas Officer Who Once Helped Prevent Man's Suicide Is Killed: Great 'Friend, Father and Husband'

“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.”

Ian was taken into custody and the Bismarck police started an investigation into the alleged offenses of Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Criminal Mischief. He was also charged with manslaughter according to court documents obtained by The AP. Court records did not list an attorney for Ian, the outlet reports.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.