A shooting incident took place in a high-rise building in Midtown Atlanta, which houses a Four Seasons hotel and residences. A police officer and a suspected shooter were injured in the incident. The officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries, while the suspect was also hospitalized. The suspect, identified as 70-year-old Jay Stevens Berger, allegedly fired at least once from the 33rd floor balcony of the building using multiple guns, including a handgun and a long gun. Two officers returned fire during the incident. It was not clear whether the injuries sustained by the officer and the suspect were caused by gunfire.
The incident began after a dispute between a building worker and the suspect on the 33rd floor. Attempts were made by the officers to negotiate with the suspect to come out of the residence, but he refused. A weapon was thrown from the balcony, and the police ultimately breached the door of the unit to take the suspect into custody. The 33rd floor was evacuated during the standoff, and the floors above and below were sealed off. Mayor Andre Dickens mentioned that the suspect was wearing what appeared to be a gas mask, and more than 15 shots were fired during the incident.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation will investigate the officers’ response to the incident since force was used. A shelter-in-place order for those in and near the high-rise was lifted, and the suspect was taken into custody around 4:35 p.m. The Four Seasons hotel occupies 19 of the 53 stories of the building and consists of 244 rooms, along with other residential and office spaces. A spokesperson for the hotel clarified that the shooting incident took place in a residential condominium within the high-rise and was not part of the hotel’s operation. The safety and security of guests and employees remain a top priority for the hotel management.
The suspect, Jay Stevens Berger, is listed as an M.D. and certified ophthalmologist by the Georgia Composite Medical Board. A phone number for Berger’s medical practice was found to be out of service. Berger’s connection to the incident and the motive behind his actions remain unclear. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum praised the officers for their bravery and response in resolving the situation without any loss of life. The investigation will continue into Berger’s actions and the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
The incident caused a disruption in the area, with traffic halted and a shelter-in-place order issued. Law enforcement officials requested people to avoid the area during the investigation. The involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies in the response to the shooting indicates the seriousness of the incident. The safety measures put in place during the incident, including the evacuation of the 33rd floor and sealing off other floors, were crucial in containing the situation and ensuring the safety of residents and guests in the building. The swift response of the Atlanta Police Department was commended by the hotel management and local authorities.
