Atlanta SWAT Sniper Halts Armed Standoff with Resident at Four Seasons Hotel

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Atlanta, Georgia, at the request of the Atlanta Police Department. The incident began on October 29, 2024, around 10:12 a.m., after police responded to reports of an armed man confronting hotel staff at the Four Seasons Hotel.

According to preliminary information, a resident on the 33rd floor had thrown items into the hallway. When the building’s residential manager went to investigate, he encountered the resident, identified as 70-year-old Jay Berger, who reportedly pointed a firearm at him. The manager left the floor and called 911, leading police to respond and Berger to barricade himself inside his apartment.

SWAT officers were called in to assist as Berger began firing rounds within his apartment and into the hallway, with bullets striking walls near SWAT personnel. One officer sustained minor injuries, possibly from shrapnel. At some point during the standoff, Berger also stepped onto his balcony, throwing objects over the edge. A SWAT sniper responded by firing at Berger, who was hit and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Following the shot, SWAT officers entered Berger’s apartment and took him into custody without further incident. Berger was transported to a hospital for treatment and will face charges at Fulton County Jail upon release. The GBI will forward its findings to the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office upon completing the investigation.

UPDATE: S.W.A.T. Officer Jonathan Caporaso sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the incident. He was treated and released from Grady Hospital and is recovering at this time.