The New London Police Department is facing questions over the handling of a rape investigation.
City leaders and the public are asking why they didn't know about this crime sooner.
"I was shocked," said New London resident Miranda Hansen. "I hadn't heard anything about it."
While the reported rape took place in an alleyway off of Bank Street around 1:30 am on July 20th. New London Police released a description to local media six days later. NBC Connecticut received the description 13 days later.
"That's disturbing because they should let people know so they can be on the lookout," said Hansen.
Authorities describe the suspect as a bald, extremely heavy-set male in his 40s. He's said to be about 5'10" and was wearing a white shirt and dark-colored sweatpants. He's also reported to have had a very foul body odor.
"There appears to have been a complete breakdown in information coming from the police department to the administration," said New London Council President and Chair Michael Passero.
Passero said the crime should have immediately been reported to the administration. He was informed three days later.
The mayor said an internal investigation is taking place in the police department regarding the delay.
The deputy police chief said information wasn't immediately released to the public because it was an active investigation they didn't want compromised. After ruling out two suspects, the department released a description statewide to other law enforcement agencies.
"There'll be some better practices that'll come out of this, and I don't think the citizens of New London have anything to fear safety-wise," said Passero.
Officials are unsure just how long the internal investigation will take. The mayor said he has full confidence in the police administration to conduct it.
The Council will have to decide if they want to carry out an investigation of their own as well.