U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson is under investigation for two separate hit-and-run car crashes in southern California.

Officials with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department say early Saturday evening Bryson was driving a car that struck the back of another vehicle waiting at a railway crossing in the city of San Gabriel. It says he spoke briefly with the occupants and then hit their car again as he left the scene of the crash.

Minutes later, the secretary allegedly struck another car in the nearby city of Rosemead.

The statement says Bryson was later found alone and unconscious in his car, and was treated at the scene before being taken to a hospital. Only minor injuries were reported by the occupants of the other vehicles.

Officials say he faces felony hit-and-run charges.

Bryson is a member of the president's economic team.