Costa Mesa Activist’s Son Arrested In Shotgun Shooting Of Girl
COSTA MESA, CA – The son of a Costa Mesa activist, Mirna Burciaga, has been arrested, along with two others, for the July 28th shotgun shooting of a 15 year old girl.
According to Costa Mesa Police, their Gang Detail Unit pulled over two vehicles Tuesday afternoon at about 3:00, recognizing that the passengers were known gang members believed to be directly involved in the shooting.
Salvidor Hilario Burciaga, 19 of Costa Mesa, was taken into custody without incident along with two other juveniles, according to Costa Mesa police. All three were booked on suspicion of attempted homicide and conspiracy with enhancements for gang involvement. A fourth individual was questioned before being released.
The July 28th shooting occurred just after 6pm in the 700 block of Shalimar Drive, a violent area known for gang activity as evidenced by concrete barriers that limit access to the neighborhood.
According to police Lt. Clay Epperson, the 15 year old girl was standing among a group of other teens when the shooter approached, their face covered by a bandanna, and fired a shotgun into the group.
“It had all the characteristics of a gang assault,” said Epperson.
Police did not identity who is believed to be the actual shooter and did not give any other specific details about the shooting.
The girl was wounded on her right side and remains hospitalized in stable condition.
Burciaga’s mother, Mirna Burciaga, is a well known local activist and restaurant owner. In both 2004 and 2006 she made unsuccessful bids for a seat on the Costa Mesa city council. Her restaurant, El Chinaco, gained notoriety for serving “Minuteman Tacos” to protest the efforts of those seeking to halt illegal immigration.
Court records show that Salvador Burciaga was also arrested in May for alleged felony vandalism and street terrorism. He has pleaded not guilty to both charges.
