By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-10-30 13:47:14 | Updated at 2024-10-30 21:28:36
7 hours ago
Chilling new footage shows a beloved Atlanta doctor donning a gas mask and waving US flags moments before he opened fire from his balcony at the Four Seasons tower in Atlanta.
Retired ophthalmologist Jay Steven Berger, 70, barricaded himself in his condo at the luxury high-rise tower on Tuesday and fired over a dozen shots, according to police.
The doctor had reportedly been acting erratically and throwing objects into the hallway before getting into an argument with a building employee.
Staff then called 911 saying they feared Berger was armed and suffering a mental health crisis.
Footage obtained by 11Alive shows Berger leaning out his 33rd-floor window as he wears a gas mask and waves two American flags.
Retired ophthalmologist Jay Steven Berger, 70, donning a gas mask and waving US flags moments before he opened fire from his balcony at the Four Seasons tower in Atlanta
Police say Berger refused to come out of his apartment when officers arrived at the scene and became increasingly agitated.
He then began firing from multiple weapons and throwing items including sheets from his balcony.
Berger is a respected figure in Atlanta and dedicated his life to teaching and mentoring medical students after his retirement.
He was certified in 1984 and practiced medicine in Atlanta from 2011 to 2021.
Friends and colleagues told 11Alive they were in disbelief over his alleged actions.
One friend said Berger was 'kind' and 'always treats people with respect.'
Berger was seen with blood across his face as he was taken into custody on a stretcher on Tuesday afternoon after opening fire from his high-rise balcony
The gunman threw one of his firearms over the balcony during the episode, seen surrounded by broken pieces of furniture that he threw
Law enforcement and the gunman were locked in a tense standoff on Tuesday afternoon
Berger was arrested after an hours-long standoff that saw him and a police officer injured. He reportedly raised his hands to surrender before SWAT officers entered his apartment.
He was seen on a stretcher with blood on his head as he was taken to the hospital.
Police later said Berger was struck by a SWAT sniper while on his balcony.
Police say they recovered a a rifle, shotgun and handgun from Berger's apartment, as well as multiple knives.
A terrifying photo of the masked man on the balcony of Atlanta's Four Seasons hotel, from where he opened fire on a nearby building
The incident happened in the residential part of the building, which is separate from the hotel.
Police had set up a perimeter around the hotel and ordered a shelter in place advisory for nearby residents. They later lifted the advisory but asked people to avoid the area.
Atlanta police have asked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to conduct an investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
