Atlanta Four Seasons Resident Barricades Himself in 33rd Floor Apartment, Opens Fire

Midtown Atlanta erupted into chaos Tuesday afternoon when a 70-year-old man barricaded himself inside his 33rd floor apartment at the Four Seasons Hotel and began shooting.

J. Stevens Berger was said to be staying in the residential portion of the hotel and not the short-term rental rooms and suites, WAGA reported.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said the suspect was mostly firing inside his apartment, WANF reported. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said he used at least three different weapons — a handgun, a shotgun, and a rifle — and fired at least one gunshot from the balcony of the apartment before surrendering.

Schierbaum said a mental health emergency call came in to police at about 10 a.m., WXIA said. Reportedly, Berger had some kind of altercation with a hotel employee and barricaded himself inside the apartment. He refused to speak with police, who were cautioned that he might have a gun.

It’s not clear what time shots rang out, but the chief said about 15 shots were fired in total, including from two police officers.

One officer was injured, but police didn’t say if the officer was shot. His injuries were described as “non-life-threatening.” Berger was also injured, Schierbaum said, again without saying how.

Police only issued a shelter in place order for the area just before 4 p.m., then lifted it at 4:35 p.m. when they announced the ssupect was reportedly in custody.

UPDATE as of 4:35pm:
The shelter in place has been lifted. We ask that citizens still avoid the area. Streets will continue to be closed in the area for a period, as the investigation continues.

The suspect has been apprehended and is in custody.

— Atlanta Police Department (@Atlanta_Police) October 29, 2024

Berger reportedly threw furniture and a gun from his balcony, acccording to WAGA.

He is expected to face multiple charges, including aggravated assault and reckless endangerment.