Clinton Offers Condolences to LAPD Widow

President Clinton on Tuesday called to offer his condolences to the widow of the Los Angeles Police Department officer shot to death during an apparent ambush last weekend.

Police officials said the president called Sylvia Cuesta about 5 p.m. to express his sorrow over the death of her husband, Filbert H. Cuesta.

“The president said he was very sorry for what had occurred and that such tragedies occur too often in the country,” said Sgt. Tom Ward, an LAPD spokesman.

Ward said Sylvia Cuesta was “very moved that he called her.” Ward said she asked the department to investigate whether the brief call was taped so she could pass it on to the couple’s two young daughters--ages 18 months and 4 weeks.

Meanwhile, police investigators continued searching for suspects responsible for shooting Cuesta as he sat in his patrol car early Sunday morning.

Sources said detectives were pursuing leads and awaiting results on forensic tests conducted on physical evidence gathered at the shooting scene, such as bullet casings.

Deputy Chief Martin Pomeroy said 25 detectives are working full time on the investigation. “It’s a massive undertaking,” he said.

The death of the 26-year-old officer continued to be felt throughout the department Tuesday. At their weekly meeting, police commissioners asked for a moment of silence to honor Cuesta. The City Council also adjourned briefly in memory of the fallen officer. The County Board of Supervisors posted a $15,000 reward for information leading to his killer.

Cuesta, who worked in the LAPD’s anti-gang unit, was shot in the back of the head as he and his partner, Officer Richard Gabaldon, waited for other officers to help them break up a loud party in Southwest Los Angeles.

On Tuesday, police officials announced that funeral services for Cuesta had been set for 10 a.m. Friday at Calvary Chapel, 22324 Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar. A graveside service will follow at Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Mill Road in Whittier.

Police asked anyone with information about the case to call the Robbery Homicide Division at (213) 485-2129, or 485-2504 after hours. Information can be passed on anonymously.