Phil Bambenek, director of Campus Safety at Saint Mary’s, alerted students Friday morning via email of a “concerning” incident report involving a Saint Mary’s student at the Marathon gas station located on S Dixie Way, half a mile off campus.
The incident, which occurred on March 20 at approximately 9:30 p.m., involved an unidentified Saint Mary’s student asking for assistance from one of two supposed employees inside the station with pumping air into the tires of her vehicle.
According to the email, “One individual offered assistance and accompanied her to her vehicle. After assisting, and while the student’s back was turned, the individual engaged in unwanted physical contact. The student was able to leave safely.”
While completing a follow-up report, Campus Safety identified a prior complaint “involving comparable behavior at the same location.”
According to Bambenek in a separate email, the prior complaint was filed with Title IX and reported on Nov. 11, 2024.
The email stated the Marathon Gas was contacted regarding these reports but has not responded. The Observer also contacted the business, and they denied a request for comment.
Bambenek informed members of the Saint Mary’s community that they can reach out to Campus Safety regarding vehicle-related issues such as lockouts, tire inflation and jump-starts.
In terms of incident-related support, he shared a list of resources including the Belles Against Violence Office, Campus Safety and the Office for Harassment Education & Response. Bambenek also encouraged individuals to make incident reports to law enforcement.
