Detectives assigned to District D-14 (Brighton/Allston) 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.
As a result of this investigation, 55-year-old Andrea Doucette-Keating and 37-year-old Zachary Shelton, 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, 2025, at 82 Glenville Avenue, and August 14, 2025, 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 Thursday, August 21, 2025, Doucette-Keating was arrested at 35 Fidelis Way and later arraigned in Brighton District Court on the following charges:
- Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle (Nighttime)
- Malicious Damage to a Motor Vehicle
- Larceny from a Motor Vehicle
- Possession of Burglarious Tools
On Thursday, September 4, 2025, at approximately 11:10 AM, 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 the following charges:
- Larceny Less Than $250 from a Person Over 60
- Stealing a Handicap Placard
- Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle (Nighttime, Felony)
- Possession of Burglarious Tools (Window Punch)
- Malicious Destruction of a Motor Vehicle
Consequences and How to Report
The misuse of stolen or fraudulent handicap parking placards in Massachusetts carries serious consequences. Individuals found guilty of illegally using or displaying a stolen placard face substantial fines, possible suspension of driving privileges, and criminal charges that may result in jail time. Fraudulently using a placard not only undermines accessibility for those in genuine need, but it also constitutes a violation of Massachusetts law.
Residents who suspect a handicap placard may be fake or misused are encouraged to report it. Authentic placards are issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles and display unique serial numbers and expiration dates. If a placard appears altered, expired, or is being used by someone other than the rightful owner, it may be fraudulent.
To report suspected misuse, community members can:
- Always Call 911 in the event of an emergency.
- Contact the Boston Police Department at your local district station here .
- Report quality-of-life issues, including suspected placard misuse, to 311 or using the 311 App.
Community members who wish to provide information anonymously can do so through the following channels:
Phone: 1-800-494-TIPS (8477)
Text: Text the word “TIP” to CRIME (27463)
Online: Boston Police CrimeStoppers Website
Photos and videos related to this investigation may also be submitted anonymously. The Boston Police Department assures all individuals that the identities of those who provide information anonymously will be protected.