Commerce chief goes on leave after crashes

WASHINGTON -- Commerce Secretary John Bryson will take a medical leave as he undergoes tests and evaluations after suffering a seizure in connection with two traffic accidents in the Los Angeles area, the White House said Monday.

The Commerce Department said Bryson transferred his functions and duties as secretary to Deputy Secretary Rebecca Blank, now acting commerce secretary. The department said Bryson had a seizure on Saturday and had "limited recall" of the events related to the incident. He had never before had a seizure.

White House press secretary Jay Carney said that President Barack Obama's thoughts were with Bryson and his family.

Medical records could determine whether Bryson will be charged in two fender-benders that led to his hospitalization after police found him slumped behind the wheel of his vehicle.

It wasn't clear whether the medical episode came before or after a hit-and-run collision.

The crashes drew attention because of possible health concerns involving a member of the cabinet, as well as the challenge investigators face when trying to determine whether someone should be held criminally responsible because of adverse health.

Bryson, 68, was alone in a Lexus in San Gabriel, northeast of Los Angeles, when he hit the rear of a vehicle that had stopped for a passing train, authorities said.

He spoke briefly with the three occupants, then hit their car again as he departed, investigators said. They followed him while calling police. He was cited for felony hit-and-run, but was not charged. Bryson then hit a second car in nearby Rosemead, where he was found unconscious in his car, police said.

Bryson was not on national business and did not have a security detail at the time, officials said. He was driving a personal car and was given medication to treat the seizure.

A Breathalyzer test didn't detect any alcohol, but investigators were awaiting blood test results, said Los Angeles County sheriff's Capt. Mike Parker.

Two people in the first crash were treated by paramedics, authorities said. A couple in the second crash declined medical aid.