McDaniel was convicted of driving while having a blood alcohol concentration of more than 0.10 grams (DUI), OCGA 40-6-391 (a) (4), weaving, OCGA 40-6-48 (1), and obstruction of an officer, OCGA 16-10-24 (a). She appeals from her conviction and sentence on the DUI charge. McDaniel contends the court should have granted her motion to suppress the results of her breath test because she was not fully advised of her right to an independent chemical test as required by OCGA 40-6-392 (a) (3). See State v. Peters, 211 Ga. App. 755, 756 ( 440 SE2d 515) (1994). The motion to suppress hearing was not reported, but the parties agree the court's amended order reflects the evidence presented. The arresting officer advised McDaniel: "After submitting to the required testing, you are entitled to additional chemical test(s) at your own expense and from personnel of your own choosing." She chose to receive an independent test, but did not indicate where or by whom she wished such a test to be administered. There was no evidence presented as to whether the officer asked her where she would like to be taken. The officer took her to nearby Southern Regional Medical Center, as is the police department's policy when a suspect does not request any specific facility. McDaniel became combative at the hospital and no independent test was performed. The court found the officer's act of taking McDaniel to Southern Regional to be justified in the circumstances. See OCGA 40-6-392 (a) (3). McDaniel contends the results of her state-administered test must be suppressed because the officer did not ask her where and by whom she wished the elective test performed. Even if the evidence showed the officer did not ask such a question, it was not required. The officer advised McDaniel of her right to an independent test by a person of her own choosing, as OCGA 40-6-392 (a) (3) required him to do. See State v. Hassett, 216 Ga. App. 114 (453 SE2d 508) (1995); State v. Causey, 215 Ga. App. 85 (449 SE2d 639) (1994). She chose an independent test but did not specify any choice of personnel. In the absence of such a choice, the officer's action in taking McDaniel to the nearest hospital, and the departmental policy behind it, were reasonable. See Norfleet v. State, 196 Ga. App. 548, 550 (1) ( 396 SE2d 237) (1990); State v. Buffington, 189 Ga. App. 800, 801-802 (377 Keith C. Martin, Solicitor, Elizabeth A. Baker-Cofer, Assistant Solicitor, for appellee. |