Commerce secretary could face charges

WASHINGTON — U. S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson is under investigation for hit-and-run crashes with two cars near his California home over the weekend, and his office said he had suffered a seizure.

Bryson, who represents business interests in the federal government, was hospitalized in California but has returned to Washington, Commerce Department spokesman Jennifer Friedman said in a statement.

The investigation into the crashes is ongoing, she added.

Earlier on Monday, police in Southern California said Bryson was found unconscious on Saturday behind the wheel of his Lexus after crashing into one car twice and then colliding with another. At least one crash is being investigated as a felony hit-and-run.

The 68-year-old was given medication to treat the seizure, according to a Commerce Department official, who added that Bryson was driving his own car on personal time and had no security detail at the time of the crashes.

Police said so far “there is no indication that alc.ohol or drugs played a role in the collisions.” They added that Bryson and others were co-operative with the investigation.

Los Angeles police have formally cited Bryson in the incident but the local district attorney’s office will decide whether to file formal criminal charges, according to CBS News, quoting Los Angeles police.

The White House had no immediate comment.