Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Jeremy Cook was shot and killed after using an app to track down his lost smartphone in London, Ontario London Police Service

Teenager shot dead after using app to track his iPhone

He had left the phone in a cab.

CANADIAN LAW ENFORCEMENT officials are stumped by a case involving a teenager killed after trying to reclaim his lost phone.

Jeremy Cook, 18, apparently left the smartphone in a cab over the weekend, police officials tell CBC News.

Police constable Ken Steeves of London, Ontario, told CBC News that Cook used a mobile app to trace the device to an address where he and a relative who accompanied him were “confronted by three men in a car.”

The exchange escalated, and the car began to drive off, but the police say Cook grabbed on to the driver’s door. He was shot multiple times and later died from his wounds.

The car and the phone were recovered, and investigators are now examining surveillance footage to try to piece together what happened.

Cook’s death has prompted law enforcement to urge the public to think twice about using mobile apps to track lost devices — more specifically, using them to retrieve the lost items on their own.

“The app itself is a great tool to have … but if you suspect there’s any potential for violence at all, we certainly encourage people to contact police,” Steeves told CBC News.

Sanjay Khanna, a mobile phones analyst at IDC Canada, had a suggestion for why someone would go to such lengths to retrieve a phone.

“Our attachment to our data is so strong,” Khanna told CBC News, “that it might prompt people to not be as cautious as authorities might wish us to be.”

Read: Man dropped his iPhone into the sea and it recorded what happened

Read: People are using cardboard boxes to make iPhone cinemas and it’s strangely ingenious

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Published with permission from
View 26 comments
Close
26 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ross
    Favourite Ross
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 3:37 PM

    Don’t care.. In my eyes there’s no lockdown anymore.. Sick of it! I’m not endangering anyone. I’m not going to illegal party’s.. I will cycle outside of 5km, I will walk wherever I want. My mental health is more important

    1069
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Steve
    Favourite Steve
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 3:48 PM

    @Ross: Imagine if everyone had the same attitude and we all said ‘in my eyes there is no lockdown anymore’.
    What do you think would happen. I’m in no way discounting mental health as that’s a real problem. If you’re struggling with your mental health reach out to someone, try recoverycollegesouthest.com or others similar. Good luck.

    828
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Seán South
    Favourite Seán South
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 3:59 PM

    @Ross: absolutely! you do you and let common sense prevail.

    192
    See 27 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Adrian O'Donnell
    Favourite Adrian O'Donnell
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 3:59 PM

    @Ross: you’re not the only one. Roads are as busy now as they were pre lockdown. No-one gives a hoot anymore, regardless of the dire state of affairs in the hospitals.

    136
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alex
    Favourite Alex
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 4:01 PM

    @Ross: good luck, if you get covid or get caught by garda, either would be unfortunate.

    53
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute welshie
    Favourite welshie
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 4:01 PM

    @Ross: how is 5km not enough of a distance for a walk? And it’s 5km each way, plenty of walking space, and even cycling space. There’s a reason for these measures…..at worst it’s the spirit of them.
    Like others, I understand that mental health is an issue that is more prevalent than ever at this time, and I am in no means understating that as an issue. There’s plenty of means of obtaining help in this space, of you do need it. Chin up, we are on the home run now

    201
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Cunningham
    Favourite Paul Cunningham
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 4:06 PM

    @Steve: Mental health shouldn’t be used as an excuse to breach regulations. What worries me would be that you do you, get the disease, but with no more room in the hospitals you or someone you love could get harder hit and noones there to help you. So think twice before heading out.

    205
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lean3L
    Favourite Lean3L
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 4:10 PM

    @Steve: Reach out to whom?? Talking doesn’t cut it when it comes at the never ending boredom of day after day of the same without not even the prospect of an end due to our evident inability to handle this pandemic. I don’t justify breaking rules but it is certainly not reasonable to expect people to stay put for months without end with minimal or no social contact. We already had one of the longest original lockdowns in Europe only to completely mess it up last month for a ‘meaningful Christmas’ and now even with the vaccines arriving they’re saying the risk might still be too high. What will happen is the lockdown will remain in place nominally with diminishing compliance that will do little to keep things under control. But hey, we’re still a grand little country, right?

    162
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Steve
    Favourite Steve
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 4:30 PM

    @Paul Cunningham: Read my post again, I’m not the one breaking the rules!

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Steve
    Favourite Steve
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 4:36 PM

    @Lean3L: I suffer bad with my mental health and believe you me talking DOES help, to suggest it does not is completely wrong. The likes of the recovery college southeast hold regular online meetings for everyone.
    If anyone is suffering from any mental health issues, please talk to someone, visit https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/mental-health-services/ for a list of services in your area.

    113
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe Moore
    Favourite Joe Moore
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 5:15 PM

    @Steve: Look after your mental health Steve, I agree with you fully. People saying it’s not an excuse to break restrictions. I disagree with that completely as theyve obviously never experienced mental health issues. Totally clueless!

    82
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Cunningham
    Favourite Paul Cunningham
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 5:31 PM

    @Steve: apologies for that, it was clearly directed at Ross and his attitude.

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stan Papusa
    Favourite Stan Papusa
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 6:07 PM

    @Steve: Imagine no 5km restriction… it’s easy if you try!
    Name one jurisdiction in the world where everyone is subjected to such a restriction, around the clock, and I’ll name at least 10 countries with fewer restrictions AND lower mortality rate.
    What is the scientific basis for a 5km radius anyway?

    89
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Elaine Moriarty
    Favourite Elaine Moriarty
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 6:36 PM

    @Steve: to be honest if he’s not endangering anyone by cycling and walking providing he isn’t near people in close contact I don’t see how what he’s doing is gonna put anyone further at risk?! I know you say reach out, but for some they just need to get out of their heads and walk and walk or cycle whatever clears their head. He could be doing a lot worse and or this stage all our mental healths have been somewhat affected. Some are visiting people’s houses cause they can’t take it anymore as they see it… So in all fairness long daily exercise done safely even if it’s technically breaking the ” rules” isn’t something I see as a threat or danger. Infact I see someone dealing with their mental health issues in a very positive healthy way. Plus everyone would get tired and depressed going the same route over and over and over day in day out!!

    97
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nigel o'Neill
    Favourite Nigel o'Neill
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 6:56 PM

    @Adrian O’Donnell: that’s a pile of ynw. There’s nothing happening out there. The only reason cars are on the roads is that nobody is using public transport and some people have had to go back into the actual workplace!!

    57
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Humphreys
    Favourite Tony Humphreys
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 7:23 PM

    @Ross: the 5km limit is criminal, Tony Holohan should be on trial in the hauge for crimes against humanity

    76
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ann Neylan
    Favourite Ann Neylan
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 8:47 PM

    @Ross: I wish the likes of you would head off to cycle paths and give me a chance to pull my dogs lead in before you cycle over it!

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ronan Dunne
    Favourite Ronan Dunne
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 9:59 PM

    @Steve: go su ck a. lemon

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pat Butler
    Favourite Pat Butler
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 10:12 PM

    @JustMeHere: put on some clothes will you

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Furey
    Favourite Paul Furey
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 10:17 PM

    @Ross: just as well you post anonymously

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute DERRY1973
    Favourite DERRY1973
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 10:18 PM

    @Stan Papusa: if you don’t know by now forget about it.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ronan Fahy
    Favourite Ronan Fahy
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 10:22 PM

    @Lean3L: and how was it messed up. By people doing their own thing.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tomo
    Favourite Tomo
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 11:43 PM

    @Stan Papusa: Absolutely no scientific basis behind the 5km limit.

    Whereas we could have more common sense measures in place that people would comply with. We’re all sick of walking the exact same
    route and doing the exact same things since March 2020. But if someone wants to go on a walk in a remote area of Wicklow? Criminal! Spreading covid all over the flora and fauna!

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute dan o keeffe
    Favourite dan o keeffe
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 11:43 PM

    @Ross: only 3 more lockdowns to Christmas

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Critical Thinker
    Favourite Critical Thinker
    Report
    Jan 21st 2021, 12:31 AM

    @Stan Papusa: The Universal declaration of Human rights, article 13 states:
    (1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute D.B
    Favourite D.B
    Report
    Jan 21st 2021, 1:18 AM

    @Ross: I hope youre fined or arrested or both…..

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niall O
    Favourite Niall O
    Report
    Jan 21st 2021, 1:51 AM

    @Tomo:??? There are models that simulate all kind of measures including lockdowns and travel restrictions. It might not be biological science but it is mathematical science and stands up to scrutiny There are videos that illustrate the models all over YouTube. Perhaps you are wilfully ignorant?

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Erin King
    Favourite Erin King
    Report
    Jan 21st 2021, 2:09 AM

    @Ross: This is a ridiculous comment coming from someone who has obviously not been directly affected by this virus. Think of the front line staff, with whom I have spoken to, down 30-40% of staff and either at or close to full capacity, cancelling elective surgeries. Also they are still having issues procuring PPE. Or a grandson, a third level student who lost his grandfather to COVID a week before he was due his vaccination. Or to all of the other families that have lost someone. Don’t care? You are so selfish. It is a sacrifice that we are all dealing with. Think outside the box, find a new and different way to relax and release. We are all in the same boat. The Don’t care attitude will get us further from getting back to living our lives.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SJF
    Favourite SJF
    Report
    Jan 21st 2021, 7:28 AM

    @Ross: I invite you to come work my shift in covid HDU…that might change that attitude of yours because being surrounded by death (and no it’s not just the elderly “on the way out anyway” as everyone seems to assume – recent pt I lost was in their early 40s with small children and zero preexisting health issues) because frankly…having to read this sh!t day after day is causing MY mental health to suffer

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Trevor Connolly
    Favourite Trevor Connolly
    Report
    Jan 21st 2021, 7:55 AM

    @Adrian O’Donnell: yes but the 5 km doesn’t make sense. In a densely populated area, restricting people to 5 km will crowd the streets. Also if you exceed 5 km and are on your own , I don’t see the problem

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Winston Smith
    Favourite Winston Smith
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 3:22 PM

    I think they misspelled March incorrectly

    269
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute SM
    Favourite SM
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 3:33 PM

    @Winston Smith: or correctly…

    47
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Mcnevin
    Favourite Paul Mcnevin
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 3:41 PM

    @Winston Smith: Another few weeks till school Winston.

    29
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Adrian O'Donnell
    Favourite Adrian O'Donnell
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 3:56 PM

    @Winston Smith: I do love a good double negative. Bravo sir!

    29
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tony Humphreys
    Favourite Tony Humphreys
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 7:25 PM

    @Winston Smith: they also ommited its because of their incompetance to run a heath service or give out vaccines – but sure, imprison us instead. dictators

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Natalie Murphy
    Favourite Natalie Murphy
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 5:55 PM

    I’ve never seen the roads and shopping centres so busy, it seems only retail and a few other places are closed. We need a total lockdown of everywhere except food stores , doctors and very essential places to be able to control this. I don’t think standing in a massive queue in woodys is essential or to buy new curtains in Harry Corry but they’re still open. I see no lockdown where I live except for the clothing stores and shoe shops.

    211
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nigel o'Neill
    Favourite Nigel o'Neill
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 6:58 PM

    @Natalie Murphy: the fact that you said ‘never seen so busy’ serves to completely undermine anything else you have to say after that total falsehood and attempt at exaggerating the facts

    251
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pat Butler
    Favourite Pat Butler
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 10:14 PM

    @Nigel o’Neill: I agree. Some people must have awful stretch marks from all the exaggeration they’re doing

    90
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Nigel o'Neill
    Favourite Nigel o'Neill
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 10:25 PM

    @Natalie Murphy: plus, why are you in these shopping centres yourself and then have a go at the amount of people seemingly going to them that you can attest to!?! Are you not one of the problem then also!?

    59
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tomo
    Favourite Tomo
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 11:44 PM

    @Natalie Murphy: Excuse me! Coffee is absolutely essential! Didn’t you hear Michael?

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Kevin O'Brien
    Favourite Kevin O'Brien
    Report
    Jan 21st 2021, 3:35 AM

    @Natalie Murphy: Drama Queen.

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eddie Michael
    Favourite Eddie Michael
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 3:23 PM

    Bye bye April too….

    115
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean Reddin
    Favourite Sean Reddin
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 4:10 PM

    Feb haha, with who is looking after the reopening ad th rollour of the vaccines, we will be locked down til 2022.

    105
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jonnie Marre
    Favourite Jonnie Marre
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 4:26 PM

    @Sean Reddin: vaccine roll out is a shambles

    86
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Pat ALTHEA
    Favourite Pat ALTHEA
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 7:46 PM

    @Jonnie Marre: how is it a shambles? They are vaccinating with every dose they have

    82
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute bmul
    Favourite bmul
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 9:50 PM

    @Jonnie Marre: 2nd highest percentage in the EU

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Macca1986
    Favourite Macca1986
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 3:28 PM

    they’ll start reopening stuff end of Feb, beginning of March

    74
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute kevinhunt101
    Favourite kevinhunt101
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 3:43 PM

    @Macca1986: I’d say after Easter tbh

    155
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stan Papusa
    Favourite Stan Papusa
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 6:20 PM

    You’d think by now the focus shifted on daily administered doses rather than daily new cases or daily deaths. Or at least on both… Most of what we see is political kite flying, but no actual numbers against those projected targets…
    You’d think by now every resource would be focused on accelerating vaccinations rather than extending lockdowns, mobilizing (again and again) the entire police workforce, drafting meaningless, abusive and largely unenforceable covid-19 legislation…

    86
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Seeking Truth
    Favourite Seeking Truth
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 8:46 PM

    Please do not delay opening schools.

    63
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute bmul
    Favourite bmul
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 9:50 PM

    @Seeking Truth: do you need a baby sitter

    86
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jude Mannion
    Favourite Jude Mannion
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 10:01 PM

    @bmul: no, but 99.9% of parents are not qualified ‘teachers. ‘ either. Staying at home indefinitely redoing old homework is not remote learning

    77
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lydia McLoughlin
    Favourite Lydia McLoughlin
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 10:54 PM

    @bmul: foolish comment

    25
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Seeking Truth
    Favourite Seeking Truth
    Report
    Jan 21st 2021, 7:31 AM

    @bmul: lovely sentiment. No, I do not need a babysitter. I see every one of my friends struggling and I see my own children struggling too. In ways that I do not feel that I need to explain to you. Certain challenges are necessary and justifiable but keeping schools locked down for weeks and weeks will have very serious consequences.

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jonnie Marre
    Favourite Jonnie Marre
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 3:59 PM

    It states “next month…” in the article!! Midterm happens middle of February so schools open after midterm is still “next month” last week in February! Cases should be lower by then at least.

    53
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute neuromancer
    Favourite neuromancer
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 7:17 PM

    @Jonnie Marre: Midterm? Don’t think they need an additional week off for anything tbh.

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Somers
    Favourite Paul Somers
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 3:23 PM

    Sorry I read the article. What’s next!

    43
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jimmy Fagan
    Favourite Jimmy Fagan
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 3:53 PM

    @Paul Somers: just continue being miserable like the rest of us and have another can. Pizza for dinner again sure why not go for it.

    58
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marie Louise Ryan
    Favourite Marie Louise Ryan
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 10:26 PM

    2021 is season 2

    42
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ryan O'hUallachain
    Favourite Ryan O'hUallachain
    Report
    Jan 21st 2021, 12:08 AM

    The only number that matters will never be communicated: How many lives saved/extended vs. How many lives destroyed down the line by their measures. As painful as it is, you need to sort your house and save whomever has a best chance. Isolate the population at risk until better days, let the rest work and live. Politicians are elected to lead a country, doctors are sworn to save lives. If you let doctors lead, they will sacrifice all to save a few, regardless of the cost on society.

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tommy the postman
    Favourite Tommy the postman
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 4:16 PM

    mid september by the looks of it 2022 all vaccinated by then when the vets will be brought in

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Giovanni Giusti
    Favourite Giovanni Giusti
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 5:36 PM

    @Tommy the postman: you joking? In 2022 there will be the flu – surely less deadly than covid but “DON’T THOSE LIVES MATTER TO YOU”? And then 2023, 2024…

    Once you start worrying about every viral infection, you’ll never go back to the way we lived before – when we accepted that they were parts of life even though, sure, some people were going to die from them.

    96
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jonnie Marre
    Favourite Jonnie Marre
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 3:55 PM

    Surprise Surprise!!! Never saw that coming lads!!!

    40
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shem
    Favourite Shem
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 4:45 PM

    ffs

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute martin
    Favourite martin
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 7:34 PM

    Put Norma in charge and we will all be back next week

    39
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brian Dunne
    Favourite Brian Dunne
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 3:40 PM

    So is the plan to open schools and building sites on feb 1st?

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jonnie Marre
    Favourite Jonnie Marre
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 3:56 PM

    @Brian Dunne: nope!

    45
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Claude Saulnier
    Favourite Claude Saulnier
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 7:34 PM

    We’d be lucky to be out of it before end of March.

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute D.B
    Favourite D.B
    Report
    Jan 21st 2021, 1:19 AM

    @Claude Saulnier: lol….its here for the year…..level this, level that….

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Vanessa
    Favourite Vanessa
    Report
    Jan 20th 2021, 3:33 PM

    I hope that can still afford to give something… otherwise it could be a very long year :-(

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris O'Sullivan
    Favourite Chris O'Sullivan
    Report
    Jan 21st 2021, 12:50 AM

    I am tired of lockdown hurry on with either the vaccine or the zombies

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bleurgh
    Favourite Bleurgh
    Report
    Jan 21st 2021, 8:04 AM

    Open the schools. Why are early childcare facilities open and not schools?

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute D.B
    Favourite D.B
    Report
    Jan 21st 2021, 1:21 AM

    mastering Taekwon-Do and making great strides learning Japanese…there are benefits to lockdowns…..here and where you are…..but….all you do is complain….

    7
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Dolan
    Favourite Paul Dolan
    Report
    Jan 21st 2021, 12:41 AM

    Clueless

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute DCforChange
    Favourite DCforChange
    Report
    Jan 21st 2021, 12:10 PM

    Any updates on overseas visitors coming in and out of Ireland with no restrictions? Can’t be good for tackling a pandemic.

    2
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds