News Summary
Elantra Bass, 26, was arrested after a police chase on Interstate 65 related to the 2021 murder of Eric Henderson. Bass had missed his trial date, triggering a warrant for his arrest. His capture was facilitated by officers who recognized him during a traffic stop, leading to a pursuit that ended with his apprehension. The arrest has sparked renewed community discussions around safety and crime prevention.
Birmingham Man Arrested After Police Chase Linked to Murder Case
Elantra Bass, a 26-year-old man, was arrested on May 15, 2025, following a dramatic police chase on Interstate 65. He faces charges of murder in connection to the 2021 homicide of Eric Henderson. Bass’s capture comes after he failed to appear for his scheduled trial in April 2025, resulting in a warrant for his arrest.
Bass was apprehended after officers from Birmingham Police Department’s Special Operations Bureau spotted him while working on a graduation detail. The officers initiated a traffic stop at the intersection of Bessemer Road and Avenue W, but Bass fled the scene in his vehicle, igniting a pursuit. As the chase progressed, he drove onto I-65 North, eventually fleeing on foot after exiting his vehicle near 16th Street North.
Video footage shared on social media captured Bass as he ran up an embankment and attempted to scale a chain-link fence. Officers from the Tactical Operations Unit and Special Enforcement Team eventually caught up with him in the 1300 block of Sixth Street North, where he was taken into custody. Following his arrest, Bass was transported to the Birmingham Police Administration Building for questioning. He is being held in the Jefferson County Jail without bond on the outstanding murder warrant.
Details Surrounding the Murder Case
The murder charge against Bass is related to the death of Eric Henderson, whose body was discovered on November 22, 2021. An off-duty police officer was informed by a bystander that they suspected a deceased individual was present in a vacant apartment at 14 Watertown Circle. When police arrived on the scene, they found Henderson’s body shortly before 4 p.m.
According to police reports, Henderson had been strangled, struck with a bottle, and his body was stored in the kitchen pantry of the vacant apartment where both Bass and Henderson lived. At the time of the murder, both men were residents of the same apartment complex, which raised questions regarding their relationship and potential motives for the crime.
Prior to his arrest, Bass was released on a $100,000 bond after being charged in connection with Henderson’s murder. However, his failure to appear for trial in April 2025 led to renewed law enforcement efforts to locate him. The police had been actively searching for Bass in conjunction with various operations, ultimately leading to his capture during the traffic encounter.
Impact and Community Response
The violent nature of Henderson’s murder has left a lasting impact on the Birmingham community. Local residents expressed concern over safety and the circumstances surrounding the slaying, prompting discussions about crime prevention and law enforcement’s role in maintaining order in neighborhoods. Bass’s arrest has provided some sense of closure for those affected by the tragedy, as community members hope for justice in Henderson’s case.
Bass is expected to face formal charges in court as the case progresses. The Birmingham Police Department will continue to follow up on all leads concerning the murder and any potential accomplices. As the trial date approaches, the community remains vigilant in seeking answers and ensuring a fair legal process for all involved.
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Additional Resources
- WBRC
- Wikipedia: Murder
- WVTM13
- Google Search: Birmingham murder arrest
- AL.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- ABC3340
- Google News: Birmingham murder case
- CBS42
- Google Scholar: Birmingham homicide
