BRIGHTON — Detectives have arrested two individuals in connection with a series of handicap parking placard thefts that occurred throughout Brighton in 2025.
To date, 19 incidents of handicap placard theft have been reported in the district, prompting an extensive ongoing investigation by detectives assigned to District D-14.
Andrea Doucette-Keating, 55, and Zachary Shelton, 37, both of Brighton, have been arrested and charged with various property-related offenses.
Detectives identified three key incidents in which handicap placards were stolen: June 30 at 82 Glenville Avenue, and Aug. 14 at both 95 Washington Street and 34 Fidelis Way.
Evidence recovered from these incidents led investigators to identify Doucette-Keating as a suspect.
Further investigation established Doucette-Keating as the primary thief and Shelton as the organizer, supplier of tools, and distributor of the stolen placards.
On Aug. 21, Doucette-Keating was arrested at 35 Fidelis Way and later arraigned in Brighton District Court on charges of breaking and entering a motor vehicle, malicious damage to a motor vehicle, larceny from a motor vehicle and possession of burglarious tools.
On Sept. 4 at approximately 11:10 a.m., detectives from District D-14, assisted by the D-14 Drug Control Unit, executed a search warrant at Shelton’s residence at 1662 Commonwealth Avenue.
The search resulted in the recovery of multiple stolen handicap placards, a window punch, cocaine, and a Glock-style BB gun with the safety tip removed.
Detectives are in the process of executing a second search warrant on Shelton’s motor vehicle, where another stolen handicap placard was observed hanging inside.
Shelton was arrested and is expected to be arraigned in Brighton District Court on charges of larceny less than $250 from a person over 60, stealing a handicap placard, breaking and entering a motor vehicle, possession of burglarious tools and malicious destruction of a motor vehicle.
The misuse of stolen or fraudulent handicap parking placards in Massachusetts carries serious consequences including substantial fines, possible suspension of driving privileges, and criminal charges that may result in jail time.
Residents who suspect a handicap placard may be fake or misused can contact the Boston Police Department at their local district station, report to 311, or provide information anonymously by calling 1-800-494-TIPS.
