Two Arrested in Brighton Handicap Parking Placard Thefts

Brighton, Boston, September 8, 2025

News Summary

Two residents of Brighton have been arrested in connection with an investigation into nearly 20 thefts of handicap parking placards in Boston’s Brighton neighborhood. Andrea Doucette-Keating, 55, and Zachary Shelton, 37, were linked to the thefts through various incidents that provided crucial evidence. Authorities recovered multiple stolen placards and other illicit items from Shelton’s residence. The misuse of these placards reduces parking access for those who genuinely need it, prompting police to urge residents to report suspicious activity.

Boston — Two Brighton residents have been arrested in connection with an investigation into nearly 20 reported thefts of handicap parking placards in Boston’s Brighton neighborhood.

Key facts and arrests

Police have taken Andrea Doucette-Keating, 55, and Zachary Shelton, 37, both of Brighton, into custody after investigators linked them to multiple placard thefts. Nineteen stolen handicap parking placards were reported to police during the investigation.

Detectives identified three incidents that produced crucial evidence: thefts on June 30 at 82 Glenville Avenue and on August 14 at both 95 Washington Street and 34 Fidelis Way. That evidence led investigators to identify Doucette-Keating as a suspect and establish Shelton’s role organizing and distributing the stolen items.

Details of charges and evidence

Douceette-Keating was arrested on August 21 at 35 Fidelis Way and later arraigned in Brighton District Court. She faces multiple charges, including:

• Breaking and entering a motor vehicle (nighttime)
• Malicious damage to a motor vehicle
• Larceny from a motor vehicle
• Possession of burglarious tools

Police executed a search warrant at Shelton’s residence at 1662 Commonwealth Avenue on September 4. Officers recovered multiple stolen handicap placards, a window punch, cocaine, and a Glock-style BB gun with the safety tip removed. A second search warrant is being executed on Shelton’s vehicle after officers observed another stolen handicap placard hanging inside.

Shelton is expected to be arraigned in Brighton District Court on charges that include:

• 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

Why this matters

Authorities say the theft and fraudulent use of handicap parking placards reduce parking access for people who genuinely need it and violate Massachusetts law. The Boston Police Department emphasized that using a stolen or fraudulent placard can result in substantial fines, possible suspension of driving privileges, and criminal charges that may lead to jail time.

What police are asking residents to do

Residents are encouraged to report suspected fake or misused handicap placards to the Boston Police Department. Anonymous tips can be submitted via the CrimeStoppers tip line at 1-800-494-TIPS (8477) or by texting CRIME (27463) with the keyword TIP. Reporting suspicious activity helps investigators identify and recover stolen placards and hold accountable those who misuse them.

Investigative context

The arrests follow an extended investigation into nearly 20 thefts across Brighton. Detectives focused on specific incidents with physical evidence that helped tie the suspects to the crime pattern. Investigators say one person carried out the thefts while an associate organized tools and distributed stolen items. Police recovered physical evidence during multiple search warrants, including the placards themselves and tools used to remove them from vehicles.

Legal and community implications

Massachusetts law includes penalties for stealing, possessing, or using stolen handicap placards. Penalties can include fines, loss of driving privileges, and criminal prosecution. Beyond legal consequences, theft and misuse of placards directly affect people with disabilities by reducing the availability of designated parking spaces.

Next steps

Court proceedings are scheduled in Brighton District Court for both defendants. Investigators continue to execute search warrants and follow leads in the ongoing investigation. Police ask anyone with information related to these thefts or who suspects misuse of a placard to contact the tip line or local police.

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Additional Resources

• NBC Boston
• Wikipedia: Handicapped Parking
• Boston 25 News
• Google Search: Handicap Parking Placard Theft
• WHDH
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Parking Placards
• MassLive
• Google News: Brighton MA Handicap Placard Theft
• CBS News
• Fox29 News

Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER

BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.