Contact: Lieutenant Luke Gardiner December 7, 2023

701-355-1895

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Criminal Mischief and Stolen Vehicle related to Death of Mercer County Deputy

A Mercer County Deputy was killed in the line of duty yesterday, after a 42-year-old
man 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.

Officers were called to Sanford Emergency Room yesterday around 4:30 pm

regarding damage to an overhead door of the ambulance bay at the Sanford
Emergency Department. Once there, officers were informed that Ian Cramer of
Bismarck was brought there by his mother due to exhibiting mental health issues.
When they parked in the ambulance bay, Ian got into the driver’s seat and allegedly
rammed the doors of the bay and fled the scene.

Bismarck Police Department started an investigation into the alleged offenses of

Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Criminal Mischief. Ian was gone when we arrived,
however, he was being tracked by a cell phone that was still in the car. This led to
other agencies being involved and assisting with the case, where he was taken into
custody after allegedly crashing into the deputy’s car and killing the deputy. Bismarck
Police continue our investigation into the incident and will be forwarding reports and
documents to the Burleigh County States Attorney to charge Ian with crimes that
occurred in Bismarck.

This is a stark reminder about the dangers of the law enforcement profession and
the risk officers take everyday to keep their communities safe. Bismarck Police
Department offer their deepest condolences to the family of the Mercer County
Deputy, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department, and the citizens of Mercer County,
as we know the Deputy’s family and his department are struggling with the tragic loss.

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Dave Draovitch, Chief of Police

Phone: 701-223-1212 ● Fax: 701-355-1861 ● 700 South 9th Street ● Bismarck, ND 58504-5899
www.bismarcknd.gov ● TDD 711 ● An Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer