A social media post about a possible threat to Estancia High School in Costa Mesa resulted in two arrests and patrols on and near the campus Tuesday.
Authorities received reports about the post at 11:10 p.m. Monday and immediately began an investigation, according to a Costa Mesa Police Department statement.
“The CMPD school resource officer, school administrators and (Newport-Mesa Unified School) District personnel were made aware of the possible threat. Detectives have arrested two in connection to the social media post, which showed a picture of what appeared to be a weapon. We also took into possession the BB gun used in the post.”
Lenny Vega, 18, of Costa Mesa and his friend, a 17-year-old Costa Mesa girl, were arrested Tuesday morning, said Roxi Fyad of the Costa Mesa Police Department. They were booked on suspicion of terrorist threats.
Vega is not a student at Estancia, but the girl is a student at the high school, she said.
“In light of these arrests, there is no credible threat to Estancia High School,” police said. “At this time, this is an active investigation. This morning, CMPD will increase police presence and patrols at and around the campus. The Newport-Mesa Unified School District has made notifications about this incident to their Estancia High School staff, parents and students.”
The Instagram post showed someone holding what looked like a rifle with a caption, “Don’t go to school tomorrow,” Fyad said. Another post indicated a “mass shooting” would happen at the high school on Thursday, she added.
The posts were shared on a variety of social media sites, Fyad said.
Vega is accused of making the original social media post, which was sent to his friend and others, Fyad said.