Edward Maturo, 69, of New Haven, was charged with third-degree burglary and fourth-degree larceny.
Three bicycles were reported stolen from a School Street residence on Aug. 5, 2012, when a neighbor noticed a man walking from the home with a bike, police said.
The three bicycles have a total value of about $1,800, police said. At the time, the neighbor didn't find it suspicious until the theft was reported later, police said.
In late September 2012, Hamden police discovered Maturo with one of the bicycles in an unrelated matter, polcie said. Hamden police checked the serial number and discovered it had been reported stolen the month before in Wilton, police said.
The department sent an officer to question Maturo, Wilton Police Lt. Donald Wakeman said.
"He claimed that someone had given him the bike and that he hadn't stolen it," Wakeman said Tuesday.
Police said the neighbor was able identify Maturo when shown his photograph, and police received a warrant for his arrest in 2012, police said.
Officers were able to execute the warrant last Thursday when New Haven Police said they had Maturo in custody, Wakeman said.
One of the bicycles, a $780 Brodie road bike, was recovered but the other two have not been found, Wakeman said.
Maturo was released on $250 bond and returns to Norwalk Superior Court on Monday.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Wilton and receive free news updates.