A retired doctor well-known in the Atlanta community was taken into custody Tuesday after a tense, hours-long standoff and shooting at the Four Seasons in Midtown Atlanta.
Dr. Jay Berger, 70, is accused of firing multiple rounds from his high-rise condominium, an incident that left an Atlanta Police Department (APD) officer injured and shocked those who know him.
Friends and colleagues who spoke with 11Alive’s Kaitlyn Ross expressed disbelief over Berger’s involvement. One friend described him as a “kind man” who has dedicated years to teaching and mentoring medical students.
“He always treats people with respect,” she said, adding that she had never seen him act violently before. Berger’s connection to the community made the day’s events even more unsettling for those close to him.
According to witnesses inside the Four Seasons, something seemed wrong early in the afternoon as yelling echoed through the building’s halls. Residents say they saw Berger leaning out a 33rd-floor window, donning a gas mask and waving two American flags. He was reportedly pointing at people below and at one point, gave a thumbs-up gesture.
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One resident, confined to her room, shared her experience with 11Alive: “About 20 minutes later, we hear the guy still getting a little agitated and screaming. Then we started hearing shots, and normally I was thinking law enforcement shooting. Then we saw SWAT. And we just heard errant shots since.”
The standoff escalated when Berger allegedly began firing rounds through the walls, the door of his unit, and from the balcony. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum confirmed that shots were directed outward, prompting SWAT officers to respond with additional tactical measures. Two APD officers reportedly discharged their weapons after Berger allegedly fired from the balcony.
The Four Seasons Hotel issued a statement clarifying that the incident occurred in a residential condominium, separate from the hotel and under different management.
After hours of attempted negotiation, APD officials observed Berger raise his hands in an apparent gesture of surrender. SWAT officers then entered the unit and took Berger into custody without further resistance. Both Berger and an APD officer, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident, were transported to Grady Hospital for treatment.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is now reviewing the use of force in this case as part of its standard procedure. Additional charges may be filed as APD’s investigation continues.