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Incident
Deputy Sheriff Paul Martin was struck and killed while deploying spike strips in an attempt to stop the pursuit of a stolen vehicle on Highway 200 at 5:35 p.m.
Authorities were notified of a stolen vehicle that crashed through the door of an ambulance bay from Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck. When Mercer County deputies located the SUV in Hazen, the driver fled, and a pursuit began. Five miles west of Hazen, the driver crashed into a Mercer County Sheriff's Office patrol vehicle with its emergency lights activated. The impact propelled the patrol vehicle into Deputy Martin, who was deploying stop sticks.
The subject was apprehended at the crash scene. He pleaded guilty to felony homicide and was sentenced to 28 years in prison.
Deputy Martin had served with the Mercer County Sheriff's Office for 18 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, three children, and four grandchildren.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Martin gave the Mercer County Sheriff's Office 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the Stanton community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Martin.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Mercer County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Paul is one of 39 officers killed feloniously in ND, 63.9% of the 61 remembered there.
Paul is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Paul is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2023, 2 officers in ND were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 2023, 61 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 123rd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2023, 68 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 114th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Paul was 53. Of the 37 killed feloniously in ND whose age is recorded, half were between 36 and 55; the middle age was 50. Paul had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 3 years.
Paul was 53. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Paul had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Paul was 53. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Paul had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 7.7% of these deaths in ND; July holds the most, 17.9%. Wednesdays: 23.1%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Mercer County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 61 deaths in ND, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.1% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
Mercer County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, Paul among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 27-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Mercer County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.