Nearly 100 Minors Detained at Abandoned Porn Theater Rave in San Jose

Deputies shut down chaotic scene at long-shuttered former adult cinema

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:38pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a broken lock or damaged door handle from the abandoned Burbank Theater, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of the unsanctioned teen party.The aftermath of a chaotic teen rave at an abandoned adult theater exposes the challenges of securing vacant properties and preventing unsupervised gatherings.Burbank Today

A late-night party at a vacant former adult theater in San Jose ended with nearly 100 minors detained after deputies were called to the scene following reports of trespassing, loud vehicles, and blaring music. When deputies arrived, they discovered a large group of teens inside the abandoned building and ultimately cleared the premises, with the juveniles seated on the sidewalk awaiting pickup.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing challenges with unsupervised teen gatherings and the repurposing of abandoned properties, as well as the role of law enforcement in responding to reports of illegal activity at vacant commercial sites.

The details

According to authorities, the incident unfolded around 9:30 p.m. on Friday when Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office deputies were called to the vacant Burbank Theater on South Bascom Avenue. When deputies arrived, they discovered a large group of teens inside the abandoned building. After making announcements, some individuals attempted to flee by forcing open alternative exit doors, and several were seen on the roof. Deputies ultimately cleared the building and established an incident command post nearby, with the juveniles seated on the sidewalk awaiting pickup.

  • The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2026.
  • The Burbank Theater first opened in 1951 and operated as an adult cinema before shutting its doors in 2000.

The players

Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident at the abandoned Burbank Theater.

Brooks Jarosz

A spokesperson for the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office who provided details about the incident to the media.

Burbank Theater

A former adult cinema in San Jose that first opened in 1951 and closed its doors in 2000, now an abandoned property.

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What they’re saying

“After deputies made announcements, individuals inside attempted to flee by forcing open alternative exit doors, and several people were seen on the roof.”

— Brooks Jarosz, Sheriff's Office Spokesperson

“The juveniles were seated on the sidewalk while awaiting pickup, admonished and advised not to return to the property.”

— Brooks Jarosz, Sheriff's Office Spokesperson

What’s next

Authorities are investigating whether any arrests will be made or charges filed in connection with the incident at the abandoned Burbank Theater.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with unsupervised teen gatherings and the repurposing of abandoned commercial properties, which can become magnets for illegal activity if left unattended.