Commerce Secretary Under Investigation for Hit and Run Accident; Suffered Seizure
President Obama's commerce secretary, John Bryson, has been cited and is under investigation for two traffic violations that occurred in Southern California this past weekend – one of which might be a hit and run accident that under the state's law is a felony.
Commerce Director of Public Affairs Jennifer Friedman reported Monday that Bryson had suffered a seizure and that the investigation is ongoing.
Apparently, Bryson hit the back of a Buick automobile on San Gabriel Boulevard that was stopped and waiting for a train to pass. The three men in the car said Bryson briefly spoke to them after the accident, but when leaving hit their vehicle again, prompting them to call 911.
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"On Saturday, June 9, 2012 at about 5:05 p.m. [local time] a hit and run traffic collision occurred in the 400 block of South San Gabriel Boulevard in the City of San Gabriel," the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the San Gabriel Police Department said in a joint statement. "Preliminary investigation indicates the collision was caused by Suspect John Bryson, who is the United States Secretary of Commerce."
The San Gabriel Police Department said the men in the Buick described Bryson's behavior as "confused" when he spoke to them.
The witnesses said after initially hitting the car from behind, Bryson drove his car in front of the Buick, stepped out of his car and said, "I guess we better pull over and exchange information." Immediately afterwards, the witnesses said Bryson got back into his car and drove away before providing the other driver with his insurance and personal information.
Minutes later, Bryson caused another accident involving a Honda Accord with a man and woman as occupants. Police later stated that Bryson was "found along and unconscious behind the wheel of his vehicle" and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital.
However, authorities have said at this point it does not appear that alcohol or drugs played a role in either of the two accidents but that they cannot completely rule either out at this time.
Bryson did agree to a breathalyzer test after being admitted to the hospital but the test did not show him being under the influence. The test is required under California law.
The commerce secretary was given a citation for a hit and run accident and will most likely have to appear in court sometime within the next 60 days.
David Axelrod, one of President Obama's senior advisers, called the issue "concerning," when asked about it Monday morning.
Before being appointed as Obama's commerce secretary last October, Bryson served as chairman and CEO of Edison International for 18 years.
