Urban Explorers Caught Inside Abandoned South Jersey Movie Theater

Washington Township, N.J. — It was a busy weekend for the Washington Township Police Department in Gloucester County with nearly 350 calls for service, 10 arrests, and at least one group of people who apparently thought an abandoned movie theater was worth breaking into at 3:30 in the morning.

Urban Explorers Caught Inside Abandoned Regal Cinema

According to the department, officers were dispatched to the vacant Regal Cinemas around 3:30 Monday morning after receiving a report that people had entered the abandoned building.

When officers arrived, they saw three people running from the area and initiated a brief foot pursuit. All three were detained.

Officers then cleared the building with assistance from a K-9 and found no one else inside.

Former Regal Cinemas Cross Keys 12 theater in Washington Township NJ - Photo: Chris Coleman

• FEBRUARY 2026: Regal Has Closed a Longtime South Jersey Movie Theater

Two adults, a man from Bath, PA, and a man from Phillipsburg, NJ, were arrested for criminal trespassing. A juvenile was also detained.

The three told police they were participating in "urban exploration" and had entered the abandoned theater to take photographs and record videos. The property manager was contacted and advised that the building needed to be secured.

Other Notable Incidents Over the Weekend

• A Philadelphia man was arrested for DWI after police found him and a passenger unconscious inside a vehicle stopped in the lane of travel on Fries Mill Road. He provided a breath sample showing a .145% BAC. The passenger had an outstanding warrant.
• A woman who ran away from a Washington Township group home was located on Delsea Drive. She made homicidal statements and spit on an officer, resulting in an assault on a law enforcement officer charge.
• Jefferson Hospital reported that a female patient disclosed she had been strangled. Criminal complaints were prepared.
• A man allegedly stole more than $3,000 worth of merchandise from Harbor Freight between August 13th and 14th. Detectives are investigating.
• Multiple warrant arrests were made throughout the weekend, including a Turnersville man on a no-bail forgery and theft warrant and an NCIC wanted person from the Camden County Sheriff's Department.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com