John Bryson takes medical leave
US Commerce Secretary John Bryson sits in the Cadillac XTS during his tour of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mich., on Jan. 10, 2012.
John Bryson, US Secretary of Commerce, announced on Monday evening that he is taking an immediate leave of absence, to resolve the health issues that arose over the weekend, when Bryson was involved in a pair of traffic incidents.
He did not say how long he would be on medical leave, but said he would not perform the functions and duties of the office "during the period of my illness," according to a statement.
His deputy, Rebecca Blank, will serve in his absence.
Police had found Bryson, 68, unconscious at the wheel of his Lexus after hitting two vehicles around 5 p.m. on Saturday. He was cited for felony hit-and-run, but instead of being booked, Bryson was taken to an area hospital.
The Commerce Department confirmed the information, the LA Times reported.
"Secretary Bryson was involved in a traffic accident in Los Angeles over the weekend. He suffered a seizure," spokeswoman Jennifer Friedman said in a statement. "He was taken to the hospital for examination and remained overnight for observation. He was released and has returned to Washington."
An investigation into the crash is currently ongoing.
An officer told the Washington Post that Bryson would have been arrested and charged on Saturday, had he not been in hospital. As it is, he was instructed to appear at Alhambra Superior Court in 60 days.
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