Incident
Assistant Chief Rushing was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man who had escaped from the Brantley Jail. The suspect, who was being held on a drunk driving charge, was captured later that day after receiving a shotgun blast in the legs by pursuing officers. On May 29, 1974, the suspect was convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to 30 years.
Survivors
Assistant Chief Rushing had been with the Luverne Police Department for 8 years and was survived by his wife, two daughters, son, and seven siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-AL-FE8BB363- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Assistant Chief of Police Rushing gave the Luverne Police Department 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the Luverne community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Assistant Chief of Police Rushing.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Assistant Chief of Police Drexel Rushing is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In AL, 405 of 643 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63% of this state's fallen. That is 8.8 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Drexel Rushing's cause is highlighted.
How Drexel Rushing Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 30 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Drexel Rushing is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Drexel Rushing was killed by gun; unknown type.