May 21, 2013
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- A motorcycle police officer escorting President Barack Obama's motorcade has died after being hit by a pickup truck.
Palm Beach County Sheriff's spokeswoman Teri Barbera says the Jupiter police officer was on Interstate 95 Sunday afternoon preparing to shut the roadway down when he was struck by a Ford F-150.
Jupiter Police spokesman Sgt. Scott Pascarella identified the officer as Bruce St. Laurent, a 20-year veteran of the force. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Barbera says an investigation is ongoing and no charges have yet been filed against the driver.
Obama made a campaign appearance at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.
White House press secretary Jay Carney says the president was notified of the officer's death and "our thoughts and prayers are with the officer's family."
AP-WF-09-10-12 0136GMT
