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ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - An armed person at the center of a SWAT standoff at the Four Seasons hotel in Midtown is in custody and an officer was injured during the incident, according to the Atlanta Police Department.
Police said they responded to a “demented person” call at around 10 a.m.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said the suspect was having a mental episode and was shooting inside his apartment.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said during the initial call, police learned the suspect, later identified as Jay Stevens Berger, may have had a handgun during an altercation with an employee at the Four Seasons.
Schierbaum said they believe at least three weapons — a handgun, shotgun and a rifle — fired at least 15 shots by the suspect during the incident in his home. He also said a shot was fired off the suspect’s balcony.
At least one weapon was thrown off the balcony, according to Schierbaum.
Dickens said the suspect was wearing a mask and police initially did not “know what was going to be on the other side of that door.”
Schierbaum said the suspect had his hands up to surrender before he was taken into custody.
An Atlanta police officer was injured during the incident and was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Schierbaum. Berger was also injured and taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for treatment.
The Atlanta police chief also said two other officers fired their weapons during the incident.
A shelter-in-place order was in effect for the area around the hotel but has been lifted.
Police said 14 St NE at W Peachtree St NE and Crescent Ave NE, 13th St NE at W Peachtree St NE and Crescent Ave NE and the Peachtree Walk closed during the incident.
Residents have been displaced because of the active investigation and will be allowed to return when APD gives the go-ahead.
>> Story continues below photo gallery
During the incident, an Atlanta News First crew reported hearing what sounded like gunshots. An Atlanta police officer had told Atlanta News First the person was believed to be armed with a large caliber rifle.
Police said Berger is facing aggravated assault charges and more charges could be forthcoming.
Homeland Security is investigating, along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation since officers used force in the incident, according to Schierbaum.
A 53-story building, there are also 90 luxury condos at the Four Seasons hotel.
This is a developing story. Check back with Atlanta News First for updates.
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News Source : https://www.walb.com/2024/10/29/suspect-had-multiple-weapons-fired-15-rounds-midtown-hotel-standoff-apd-officer-hurt/
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