A tense standoff at a luxury hotel in Atlanta involving an armed 70-year-old man concluded with the suspect’s arrest.
At a Glance
- The incident unfolded at a hotel in downtown Atlanta with an armed suspect shooting from his balcony.
- J. Stevens Berger, the suspect, was reported to be in a mental health crisis.
- Multiple weapons were used, and at least 15 shots fired during the standoff.
- Berger faces charges including aggravated assault and reckless endangerment.
- One police officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The Standoff Unfolds
A luxury hotel in downtown Atlanta became the scene of a 70-year-old suspect, J. Stevens Berger, barricading himself and allegedly opening fire. This high-stakes scenario was handled by the Atlanta Police SWAT team following the barricade and shots fired from the suspect’s balcony. Berger, under severe mental health distress, reportedly lashed out around 10 a.m. following an altercation with hotel staff.
Reports indicate Berger wore a red mask while accessing multiple firearms, though no civilians were harmed. Officers moved swiftly to issue a shelter-in-place, ensuring public safety during this volatile event.
Weapons and Assaults
Berger’s actions included firing handguns, shotguns, and rifles into the hotel surroundings, creating an atmosphere described by witnesses as remarkably chaotic and akin to a movie scene. He fired through walls using a variety of weapons, as efforts to pacify him escalated. “While the efforts were underway, he began firing a weapon. We believe he fired at least three different weapons; handguns, shotguns and rifles, that fired through the walls,” recollected Schierbaum. Berger is expected to face numerous charges.
“While the efforts were underway, he began firing a weapon. We believe he fired at least three different weapons; handguns, shotguns and rifles, that fired through the walls.” – Schierbaum
Authorities report that at least 15 gunshots were discharged during the ordeal. Fortunately, a single officer sustained only non-life-threatening injuries, while others returned fire to contain the suspect. The police emphasized the peril and bravery of those involved in this volatile encounter. Public safety efforts concluded successfully with Berger in custody.
BREAKING: Atlanta police and SWAT are investigating a barricaded suspect at the Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown where multiple shots have been fired. https://t.co/5P8iK755pS pic.twitter.com/sNOwntDVyJ
— FOX 5 Atlanta (@FOX5Atlanta) October 29, 2024
Conclusion and Charges
After hours of confrontation, the SWAT team’s decisive actions led to Berger’s arrest, with no further harm caused. As the shelter-in-place order was lifted, the community was reassured of their safety, highlighting the effectiveness of Atlanta’s law enforcement. The charges Berger is expected to face include aggravated assault and reckless endangerment.
“We heard 10 shots. We walked outside, got everything on camera – the man throwing couches, shooting – very chaotic, very random. This is Atlanta. This is not a real place.” – Khalil Hagans
This situation highlights both the dangers faced by police officers and the complexities associated with mental health crises. The incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of effective crisis intervention and the continued commitment of police forces to protect public safety.
Sources
1. Midtown Four Seasons Hotel standoff suspect apprehended