Joliet Detective Arrested After Domestic Violence Investigation: Chief
JOLIET — On Wednesday, following an inquiry from Joliet Patch, the Joliet Police Department confirmed that one of their detectives, Peter Ranstead, has been arrested and charged in Kendall County with two counts of domestic battery and one count of interfering with the reporting of domestic violence.
Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English also notified Patch that his agency does not have a booking mugshot for Ranstead because Joliet police did not make the arrest.
The incident leading to Ranstead’s arrest happened over the weekend.
Find out what's happening in Jolietwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
According to English, the following events resulted in the 41-year-old detective’s arrest and the subsequent charges in Kendall County:
On September 28, at 12:12 a.m., Joliet’s officers responded to a house in the 1100 block of Woodiris Drive for a domestic disturbance. Officers learned that a confrontation happened at the home involving an adult woman and Ranstead, an off-duty Joliet Police Department detective.
Find out what's happening in Jolietwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“It is alleged that during an argument, Ranstead grabbed the victim by her shoulders and forced her toward the doorway of a second story bedroom. It is believed Ranstead then pushed the victim out of the room, causing her to strike her head on an adjacent door frame,” Joliet’s arrest report stated.
The victim forced her way back into the bedroom and tried to call 911 at which time it is believed Ranstead took the phone from her, the arrest reports reflect.
Ranstead’s victim was eventually able to contact 911 and Ranstead was not at the home and was unable to be located, upon the arrival of Joliet police officers, the police agency noted.
On Tuesday, other Joliet Police detectives obtained a Kendall County arrest warrant for Ranstead on two counts of domestic battery and one count of Interference with the reporting of domestic violence.
Ranstead turned himself in on Wednesday shortly after 6 a.m. at the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office in Yorkville.
As for the detective’s employment status at Joliet PD, Ranstead has been placed on administrative leave following his arrest, his employer noted.
“The Joliet Police Department holds itself to the highest standards of integrity and accountability,” Chief Bill Evans announced in Wednesday evening’s press release. “When these standards are not met, we not only compromise our legitimacy but also erode the public’s trust.
“The community expects us to lead by example, and when one of our own fails to meet these expectations, it affects us all. Being a police officer is not just a job, it is a calling that requires each of us to live a life without reproach. I expect my officers to embody the values of integrity, respect, and fairness in both their personal and professional lives. This is critical not only to maintain the trust of the public, but also to preserve the honor of wearing the badge. When any officer fails to uphold these principles, it diminishes the hard work and dedication of all those who serve honorably. Our duty stands now to remain committed to transparency and impartiality and ensure that justice is served.”
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.