U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson (Photo: Getty)
SAN GABRIEL VALLEY, Calif. (CBS) -- A government spokesperson is shedding new light on the cause of two car accidents that the U.S. Commerce secretary got into over the weekend.
United States Commerce Secretary John Bryson reportedly suffered a seizure behind the wheel of his car when he allegedly caused two separate crashes in the Los Angeles area on Saturday. The commerce secretary's spokesperson tells CBS News Bryson spent a night in the hospital for observation, and has returned to Washington.
Police say Bryson first crashed his Lexus into another car that was stopped here, waiting for a train to pass. Police say he spoke to the three men inside the car, and then hit the car again as he drove away.
Minutes later, Bryson allegedly hit another car in the neighboring city of Rosemead, and was found alone and unconscious in his car. Nobody was seriously hurt. Bryson was cited for felony hit-and -run but has not been charged.
Dep. Tony Moore with the LA County Sheriff's Dept. says, "No alcohol or drugs were a factor in either accident at this time, but the investigation is ongoing."
The 68-year-old former utility executive was sworn in as commerce secretary last October. He is said to be a key member of the president's economic team, working to create jobs.
Bryson was in California to give a commencement address. He has a home in San Marino.