Joliet detective arrested for assault and placed on administrative leave: police

JOLIET, Ill. – A Joliet Police Department detective has been charged with domestic battery after an alleged incident with his wife at their home.

Officers were called to a home in the 1100 block of Woodiris Drive at 12:12 a.m. Sept. 28 for a domestic disturbance.

When police arrived, they learned there had been a confrontation between a woman and her husband, off-duty Joliet Police Detective Peter Ranstead, 41.

According to police, during the argument, Ranstead allegedly grabbed his wife by the shoulders and forced her toward the door of a second-floor bedroom. He then pushed her out of the room, causing her to hit her head on a door frame, authorities said.

The victim forced her way back into the bedroom and tried to call 911, but Ranstead took the phone away from her, police reported.

The victim was eventually able to call 911, but Ranstead was not home when officers arrived.

Following an investigation, police obtained a warrant for Ranstead's arrest out of Kendall County on October 1, charging him with two counts of domestic violence and one count of interfering with the reporting of domestic violence.

Just after 6 a.m. Wednesday, Ranstead turned himself in at the Kendall County Sheriff's Office in Yorkville.

He was placed on administrative duty per Joliet Police Department policy and placed on administrative leave following his arrest.

“The Joliet Police Department adheres to the highest standards of integrity and accountability. When these standards are not met, we not only jeopardize our legitimacy, but also undermine public trust. The community expects us to lead by example, and when one of our leaders fails to meet those expectations, it affects us all. The profession of a police officer is not just a job, but a calling that requires each of us to live a life without blame and to be fair in both our personal and professional lives. This is important not only to maintain public trust, but also to preserve the honor of wearing the badge. When an officer fails to adhere to these principles, it diminishes their hard work and commitment. “It is our duty to continue to advocate for transparency and impartiality and to ensure that justice is served,” said Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans.

The investigation is ongoing.