US Commerce Secretary takes medical leave

WASHINGTON - US Commerce Department on Monday night announced that Commerce Secretary John Bryson had notified US President Barack Obama that he would be taking a medical leave of absence after being involved in a traffic accident in Los Angeles area over the weekend.

He immediately transferred his functions and duties as Secretary to Deputy Secretary Rebecca Blank. Effective immediately, Blank will become Acting Secretary of Commerce, the department said in a statement released on Monday night.

"I notified President Obama this evening that effective immediately I am taking a medical leave of absence so that I can focus all of my attention on resolving the health issues that arose over the weekend," Bryson noted in the statement.

"During the period of my illness, I will not perform the functions and duties of my office. Therefore, by operation of law, as my first assistant you will act in my stead for the duration of my absence," he added.

Bryson was being investigated for his role in two car crashes including a hit-and-run accident, near his Los Angeles-area home on Saturday.

"He suffered a seizure. He was taken to the hospital for examination and remained overnight for observation. He was released and has returned to Washington. The investigation is ongoing," Jennifer Friedman, director of public affairs of the Commerce Department, said in a statement earlier Monday.

According to local police, Bryson was allegedly traveling southbound in a Lexus on San Gabriel Boulevard in the City of San Gabriel, and rear-ended a Buick occupied by three males.

Bryson drove into the neighboring city of Rosemead, and allegedly caused a collision involving a second car. He was found alone and unconscious behind the wheel of his vehicle.

A separate White House statement released on Monday night said that Bryson would undergo medical tests and evaluations, adding that Obama's thoughts were with Bryson and his family.