Man shot, killed trying to break inside Wake Forest home, police say

WRAL News spoke to the friend of a man shot and killed Monday while trying to break inside a Wake Forest home.

Around 3:20 a.m., Wake Forest police responded to a home on Abercrombie Road, where they found Steven Dallas Contestable, 34, suffering from a gunshot wound.

Police said Contestable was attempting to break into the home when he was confronted by a homeowner and legal gun owner.

Police said the homeowner gave repeated verbal warnings before shooting Contestable, who had broken several panes of glass on the door while attempting break inside.

Contestable died at the scene as a result of the shooting. No charges were filed against the homeowner.

Jerry Allen, a neighbor, told WRAL News he lived in the neighborhood for nine years and knew Contestable. He said he is still wrapping his mind around what happened.

"Steven's been like a brother to me since I was 11," Allen said. "He was a really great friend. I don’t want people to think he’s evil."

Allen described Contestable further, saying, "He's had a rough few years financially, but he's always been really positive, high-spirited ... I think he had a mental break of some sort."

Police said this appears to be an isolated incident, and they do not believe there's any danger to the public.

People who have lived in the neighborhood for years said it is a nice community with friendly neighbors.

It was the second Wake Forest shooting in a matter of days. On Saturday, Wake Forest police arrested a man they said fired shots at people in a Lowe's supermarket parking lot -- and then fled as someone else fired shots at him.

This incident is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the anonymous tip line at 919-435-9610.