5 things to know about Robert Lewis Dear, suspected Planned Parenthood gunman

On Friday, a gunman burst into a Planned Parenthood office in Colorado Springs and opened fire. The deadly attack and lengthy standoff gripped the nation. Here's what we know so far about the suspected gunman, Robert Lewis Dear.

What Dear is accused of:

Robert Lewis Dear, 57, is accused of opening fire at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, killing three people, including a police officer, and wounding nine others. People were trapped in the building for hours while a standoff between Dear and authorities ensued.

How was Dear captured?

After exchanging gunfire with authorities, Dear surrendered early Friday evening, several hours after the ordeal began. The scene took additional time to secure because Dear left behind items that had to be examined for signs of explosives.

Was there a motive?

Authorities are not ready to reveal a motive for the shootings. The investigation is ongoing, and Dear’s mental state is being evaluated. The mayor of Colorado Springs says that while authorities aren't ready to discuss a possible motive, people can make "inferences from where it took place."

What is known about Dear?

Dear is believed to have been living most recently in  North Carolina. Neighbors said he spent time in a shack near Asheville with no electricity or running water. Neighbors said that Dear mostly kept to himself, avoided eye contact and when he did speak to others, it was in a rambling way on a wide range of topics. A neighbor told the Associated Press that he never heard Dear discuss religion or abortion.

According to The Daily Beast, police records indicate that Dear was accused of a wide range of incidents in South Carolina, ranging from domestic violence to animal cruelty. Dear was reportedly arrested in 2002 on a peeping tom charge, which was later dismissed, and was arrested in 2003 on an animal cruelty charge, for which Dear was found not guilty. According to police records, Dear had a lengthy record of disputes with neighbors.

What’s next for Dear?

According to the Associated Press, Dear will have a court appearance Monday.