Commerce secretary cited in hit and run; agency says he suffered seizure

This story has been updated.

Secretary of Commerce John Bryson was cited in a hit-and-run felony in Southern California this weekend, causing two car accidents within minutes of each other before being found unconscious by authorities, CNN reported.

A Commerce Department spokeswoman said Monday that Bryson had suffered a seizure, according to CNN.

"He was taken to the hospital for examination and remained overnight for observation," said Commerce Director of Public Affairs Jennifer Friedman. "He was released and has returned to Washington. The investigation is ongoing."

On Saturday, Bryson rear-ended his Lexus into a car waiting at a railroad crossing in San Gabriel. After talking with the three passengers, some of whom were later treated for minor injuries, he drove away, hitting the same car again. After leaving the scene, he hit a second car in the neighboring city of Rosemead.

Bryson was found "alone and unconscious behind the wheel of his vehicle" when authorities arrived, CNN reported. He was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries from the crash. Alcohol screenings came up negative, CNN reported.

Bryson has served as commerce secretary since October of 2011. Obama campaign senior advisor David Axelrod said on Monday that he would not comment specifically on the incident since the news broke overnight.

“Obviously, it’s concerning,” Axelrod said on CBS's This Morning. “But I'm not going to comment because I don't know any of the details.”