Commerce Secretary John Bryson was cited for felony hit-and-run in California over the weekend after being involved in two car accidents. It appears the accidents stemmed from Bryson, 68, suffering a seizure while driving. He was treated with medication and taken to a hospital where he was held overnight for observation.
The Commerce Department released a statement Monday confirming Bryson’s accidents and hospitalization. "Secretary Bryson was involved in a traffic accident in Los Angeles over the weekend," Commerce Director of Public Affairs Jennifer Friedman said. "He suffered a seizure. He was taken to the hospital for examination and remained overnight for observation. He was released and has returned to Washington. The investigation is ongoing."
The accidents happened Saturday shortly after 5 p.m. in San Gabriel and Rosemead. According to a press release by the San Gabriel Police Department, Bryson “rear-ended a Buick occupied by three males that was stopped on the street awaiting a passing train.” “Bryson spoke with the males, then left the scene, hitting the same car again as he left the scene. The three males followed him in their car while calling San Gabriel Police officers via 911 and asking for assistance,” the department says.
Bryson drove to nearby Rosemead and hit a Honda Accord driven by a man and a woman. He was found unconscious in his Lexus at the scene of the second accident.
No one involved suffered major injuries. Two occupants of the Buick were treated by paramedics for pain. One occupant of the Accord complained of pain, but did not receive treatment. The Accord and Bryson’s Lexus both sustained minor damage.
Alcohol and drugs do not appear to be a factor in the accidents.
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