(Updates with prosecutors declining to file charges)
By Dan Whitcomb
LOS ANGELES, July 3 (Reuters) – Prosecutors declined to file
charges against former U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson on
Tuesday over his role in two car crashes on the same day in June
after blood tests showed he had only low levels of a sleep aid
in his system at the time.
Bryson was found unconscious behind the wheel of his Lexus
on June 9 after he crashed into one car twice, left the scene of
the accident and later collided with another vehicle, according
to authorities.
Bryson had the prescription drug Ambien in his system at the
time of the incident and doctors concluded he was confused after
suffering a seizure, a Los Angeles County prosecutor said in a
document explaining the decision.
The 68-year-old former energy company executive announced
his resignation less than two weeks after the crashes, citing a
seizure he and Commerce Department officials said he suffered on
that day.
Police said they had asked prosecutors to file hit and run
charges against Bryson.
“Based on doctors’ opinions there is insufficient evidence to
show knowing failure to provide personal information for hit and
run,” Deputy District Attorney Deborah Kass wrote in the
document.
“Further, based on blood test and medical condition there is
insufficient evidence to prove driving under the influence,”
Kass wrote.
Bryson, who had run the Commerce department for less than a
year at the time of the accidents, had been alone in his car and
authorities had initially said there was no indication alcohol
or drugs played a role in the collisions.
He was treated at the scene, regained consciousness and was
admitted to a local hospital. Passengers in the other cars had
no major injuries.
Bryson is a former chief executive of Edison International,
a public utility holding company headquartered in Rosemead,
California. He had served as Obama’s secretary of commerce since
October 2011.
(Editing by Cynthia Johnston, Cynthia Osterman and Andrew Hay)
