Barricaded Four Seasons suspect's standoff detailed in arrest warrants

ATLANTA - Arrest warrants have revealed new details about the Oct. 29 standoff in Midtown Atlanta. Investigators say a 70-year-old man allegedly barricaded himself inside his apartment at the Four Seasons, prompting a significant police response and causing disruptions in the area. 

According to the warrants, Jay Berger, an ophthalmologist who has held an active medical license since 1984, fired shots in multiple directions, leading to a prolonged standoff with police from his residence on the 33rd floor. 

Police believed Berger was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time.

"He’s known for mental episodes, and we just need you here pronto," a building staff member told the 911 operator.

Arrest affidavits state Berger initially brandished a firearm at a building manager prior to barricading himself. 

"A neighbor said there was a mess in the hallway," the staff member said in the 911 recording. "I went up to check out the mess, and the resident at the end of the hallway was pointing a gun at me, screaming, ‘Do not come this way. I don’t want to hurt anybody.’"

A man holds up his arms from a window during a SWAT standoff at the Four Season in Midtown Atlanta on Oct. 29, 2024.

When the SWAT team arrived on the 33rd floor, water was flooding from Berger's unit. Officers reported he was firing his weapon in multiple directions, both through walls and out his front door, with a fragment of one round striking Officer Johnathan Caporaso, who had a minor injury.

The warrant describes how Berger took to his balcony and began shooting.

At that point, a counter-sniper positioned in a neighboring building fired, grazing Berger in the head. Following this, Berger reportedly set down his weapon and began throwing furniture over the balcony. That prompted APD’s drone operator to signal the SWAT team in the hallway to breach the apartment door.

Berger then surrendered without further resistance, effectively ending the standoff.

In the course of their investigation, authorities noted in court documents that Berger was known to possess firearms and other weapons, along with lots of Nazi paraphernalia.

His medical license remained active on the state database as of Tuesday night.

Berger now faces multiple charges of aggravated assault on law enforcement officers, among other allegations. 

A judge denied bond for Berger last week, keeping him in custody as the case moves forward.