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U.S. Commerce Secretary reportedly suffered seizure in two separate car crashes
By Catholic Online (NEWS CONSORTIUM)
June 12th, 2012
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)
June 12th, 2012
Catholic Online (www.catholic.org)
U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson was involved in two separate bizarre
car crashes after he reportedly suffered a seizure this past weekend.
The 68-year-old Bryson is accused of striking a stopped car twice and
then causing a separate collision. Officials say he was placed under
medical observation and then released to return to Washington.
Director of Public Affairs for the Department of Commerce Jennifer Friedman had confirmed that Bryson was involved in a traffic accident and said he had "suffered a seizure." Bryson was on his personal time with no security detail and was driving his own vehicle.
There was no immediate indication that alcohol or drugs played a role in the collisions, according to local law enforcement.
Bryson was driving alone in a Lexus in San Gabriel when he allegedly struck the rear end of a stopped car waiting for a passing train occupied by three men in the first incident.
Bryson spoke with the occupants and then hit their car again when he drove away, police said said. The three men followed him while calling police.
"The preliminary investigation indicates the collision was caused by suspect John Bryson, who is the United States Secretary of Commerce," the police statement said.
Bryson then allegedly caused a second collision moment later in the nearby city of Rosemead, striking a car occupied by a man and a woman.
Two people in the first collision were treated by paramedics after complaining of pain and the couple involved in the second crash also complained of pain but declined medical aid. Damage to the vehicles was minor.
Bryson voluntarily took a Breathalyzer test after the crashes, and it didn't detect any alcohol, said Los Angeles County sheriff's Capt. Mike Parker. A blood test also was administered to Bryson and investigators are awaiting the results.
Authorities don't know whether Bryson had a prior medical condition.
White House Chief of Staff Jack Lew spoke to Bryson on Monday, press secretary Jay Carney said. Carney said the administration was still in the process of gathering information.
"We're obviously concerned about the incident, about the health-related issues that played a role in this incident," Carney said.
Bryson had given the commencement address last Thursday at Pasadena Polytechnic School, where several of his daughters went to school, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported.
© 2012, Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM.