FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Bond was granted on Tuesday for a retired doctor accused in the Four Seasons Midtown shooting that hurt an officer in October.
Dr. Jay Berger, 70, is facing nearly a dozen charges, including aggravated assault. During court on Tuesday, he waived a preliminary hearing and was granted bond.
According to the judge, Berger's bond was set at $110,000, and he must adhere to the following conditions:
- No weapons.
- No drugs or alcohol.
- Must leave his residence but is permitted back once with law enforcement officers.
- Must follow a curfew with some exceptions for medical and legal.
- Has to complete a psychiatric evaluation within 10 days of being released and follow the treatment plan.
The prosecution argued that Berger should not be granted bond, stating that he is a danger to the public, but his defense said that this is a "mental health problem that requires a mental health solution."
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Police reports indicate officers responded to the Four Seasons on Oct. 29 after receiving a call about an "emotionally distressed person." Upon arrival, officers learned Berger had allegedly pointed a gun at the building’s residential manager. He later barricaded himself in his 33rd-floor condo, flooding the hallways and firing multiple rounds at officers, according to investigators.
One SWAT officer, identified as Jonathan Caporaso, was hurt when a bullet fragment struck his shoulder. Berger allegedly fired 112 rounds during the standoff, targeting officers, nearby streets, and surrounding buildings, officials said. He eventually surrendered after being wounded by a SWAT sniper.
Authorities said that Berger was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the incident. His charges include aggravated assault, felony obstruction, and weapons-related offenses.