Joliet Detective Peter Ranstead Convicted of Domestic Violence After Woodiris Drive Incident

A Joliet police detective has been convicted by a judge on charges of domestic violence, stemming from an incident that occurred in 2024.

The verdict was handed down on Thursday, bringing the case to a close.

The incident in question took place in the early hours of September 28, 2024. Police responded to a domestic disturbance call at a residence on the 1100 block of Woodiris Drive in Joliet.

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Upon arrival, officers discovered that an altercation had occurred between a woman and her husband, 41-year-old off-duty Joliet police detective Peter Ranstead.

According to police reports, during the argument, Ranstead allegedly grabbed the woman and pushed her, resulting in her hitting her head. Furthermore, when the woman attempted to contact emergency services, Ranstead reportedly confiscated her phone to prevent the call.

During an argument, Ranstead grabbed the woman and pushed her, causing her to hit her head, police said. When she tried to call 911, Ranstead took her phone away, according to Joliet police.

The woman was eventually able to call 911. Ranstead was not at home when officers arrived.

Ranstead was charged in a Kendall County warrant with domestic battery and interfering with the reporting of domestic violence, police said.

He turned himself in Wednesday morning at the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office in Yorkville, police said.

Ranstead was placed on administrative leave during the investigation.

He will be back in court April 17 for sentencing.

Joliet police released the following statement in 2024:
“The Joliet Police Department holds itself to the highest standards of integrity and accountability. 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,” Joliet police said in a statement.