Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum and Mayor Andre Dickens shared information regarding the incident during an evening press conference. According to Fox News, Berger was identified as the suspect during the conference and Schierbaum told reporters the incident began with an altercation between the suspect and hotel staff.
Berger was reportedly suffering a mental health crisis and was armed with knives and guns, APD said, adding that they believe he fired at least fifteen rounds during the incident.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers attempted to negotiate with Berger. However, Schierbaum said, "While the efforts were underway, he began firing a weapon."
"We believe he fired at least three different weapons; handguns, shotguns, and rifles, that fired through the walls. They were fired through the door of the apartment. At least one round was fired from the balcony during this course of interaction," added Schierbaum.
At that point, officers were forced to return fire according to the Chief. "During this time, at least two of our officers did fire during the exchange, and one of those times a weapon was fired to end the threat, so no weapons could be fired from the balcony."
The standoff lasted over seven hours and ended when Berger waved a literal white flag out of the balcony to signify his surrender to officers.
"He did wave his hands to give up, and as he was on his balcony to say, please come get him. And so the men and women of Atlanta Police Department, the SWAT team, came and got him, and now he's off to get medical attention, and this is where we are right now," said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens according to ABC News.
🚨ATLANTA SHOOTING SUSPECT SHOT IN FACE DURING POLICE STANDOFF
— Kacee Allen (@KaceeRAllen) October 29, 2024
In Atlanta, Georgia, a suspect who allegedly fired shots at the Four Seasons Hotel has reportedly been shot in the face.
The Atlanta police are currently engaged in a standoff with this individual, who has… pic.twitter.com/iEp4fAyiOe
Berger was placed into custody and taken out of the hotel on a gurney, having sustained an injury to his face.
One officer was injured non-fatally during the shootout.
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