US Secretary of Commerce, John Bryson, made an announcement last night that he was going on a medical leave following a seizure and 2 separate traffic collisions in one day. Bryson said that he was focusing on his health issues that apparently arose over the weekend referring to the 2 road accidents in California.
Rebecca Blanck, Deputy Commerce Secretary, will be covering for Bryson during his absence. Bryson was involved in 2 consecutive car accidents on June 9, in Los Angeles. He was found unconscious behind the wheel after the second crash. The Secretary was hospitalized but reported back to work the next day.
The 68-year old Commerce Secretary is being investigated for a hit and run felony after he left the scene of the first accident. After 5 minutes of fleeing the first scene, he was involved in another accident two miles away where he was found by police unconscious behind the wheel of his Lexus.
Police are awaiting a blood alcohol test. He may face a year in prison if found guilty of felony hit and run. San Gabriel police said they would probably drop the charges if medical tests prove that the accident was caused by a medical condition.
Occupants of the first vehicle Bryson crashed into said that Bryson appeared disoriented. The Secretary talked to the passengers in the vehicle he first hit and then left. Bryson hit the vehicle again as he left the scene. This prompted the passengers of the car to call 911 as they followed Bryson's vehicle.
At around 5:10 p.m., Bryson apparently struck another vehicle on Rosemead, California not far from the first accident scene. Initial reports show that there was no alcohol or drugs involved. California DMV can monitor the medical condition and revoke the license of a driver who has lapses of consciousness.
According to sources, Bryson told his colleagues that he has never had a seizure before. Doctors determined that the Secretary is suffering from a medical condition that may have caused the lapse in consciousness and the disorientation during the first crash.
