Costa Mesa High student arrested on weapons charge

A Costa Mesa High School student who authorities say is a known gang member pleaded not guilty today on charges that he brought a knife on campus, police said.

Eric Salas, 18, was arrested at Costa Mesa High School Wednesday morning after a school staff member reported to authorities they saw Salas with a knife in his waistband, Sgt. Bryan Glass said.

“He never made any threats or anything,” but was found with two knives on him, Glass said.

Salas was charged with felony counts of bringing a deadly weapon on campus and street terrorism, a common charge for defendants accused of being in a gang, prosecutors said.

Salas’ pre-trial hearing is scheduled for May 12.

JOSEPH SERNA may be reached at (714) 966-4619 or at [email protected].