A tense standoff at a downtown Atlanta hotel involving a 70-year-old armed man ended with an intensive SWAT response. The elderly man barricaded himself and fired his weapon from the hotel’s balcony. One officer sustained an injury.
Violence Erupts at Luxury Hotel
A potentially deadly situation unfolded at a downtown Atlanta hotel when J. Stevens Berger, 70, barricaded himself and discharged firearms from his balcony. Hotel guests and staff were thrown into chaos as Berger allegedly fired at least 15 shots, using a mix of handguns, shotguns, and rifles. Witness accounts describe a scene akin to a video game, filled with confusion and fear.
As the standoff began, guests found themselves trapped in a situation that transformed the hotel into a temporary fortress. Berger, identified in the throes of a mental health crisis, engaged law enforcement in a gunfight that resulted in an injury to an officer. At the height of the incident, SWAT teams efficiently managed the threat, ensuring the safety of those present.
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
Quick and Brave SWAT Response
Berger’s actions prompted a rapid police and SWAT response to control the volatile situation. Tactical units responded decisively to the threat from the armed man, securing the area and moving swiftly to prevent further escalation. Amid the chaos, courageous officers returned fire against Berger, who was seen on his balcony in a red mask.
Attentiveness from a well-coordinated police team ensured that the suspect was apprehended without loss of life, embodying the dedication and professionalism of law enforcement. A fervent shelter-in-place order was issued to maintain safety, lifted only after Berger’s detention.
Scary stuff here..
Numerous law enforcement officers are on the scene of an active shooter at the Four Seasons Hotel as dozens of shots have been fired..
The suspect was seen throwing items including a handgun off the hotel balcony… in custody now..
— Chris from Massachusetts AKA TommyboyTrader (@autumnsdad1) October 29, 2024
Charges and Aftermath
Following his apprehension, Berger faces a multitude of charges, including aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. Investigations are underway to understand the complete motives and acquire insight into the mental state that precipitated the standoff. This incident underscores the complexities of dealing with individuals in mental health crises, especially when firearms are involved.
In this incident, the resolve of first responders and law enforcement prevailed against a perilous threat, ensuring public safety and concluding the ordeal with the arrest of the suspect.
You have to carefully monitor old peoples Geritol consumption. Too much, and the high alcohol content gets them stoned! He was trying to mimic the maniac in Las Vegas a few years back.