Student arrested at high school

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

Eric Salas, 18, was arrested at the school Wednesday morning after a 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.

School Resource Officer John Gates said Salas hangs out with other “thugs on campus,” but couldn’t speak to gang activity.

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.