Man arrested in connection to fatal shooting at Cheers Pub

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --- St. Joseph County Police arrested Michael Allen Miles, age 31 of South Bend, on a preliminary charge of murder early Saturday morning.

Rolando Saenz Jr., 39, died after being shot at Cheers Pub early Thursday morning, according to police. Witnesses allege that Miles and Saenz Jr. got into a physical altercation, according to police. Police said Miles then allegedly fired a gunshot into Saenz Jr.'s chest, killing him.

“I want to highlight and commend our SJCPD investigators who have worked non-stop to determine the identity of the shooter and arrest him within 48 hours of the homicide at Cheers,” said Sheriff Bill Redman in a statement. Redman continues stating, “when disbanded, Metro Homicide Unit was made of officers from all the 3 largest police agencies of our County. In this our first county police homicide incident, we received great assistance not only from the largest departments, but also from the smaller agencies and prosecutor’s office. We received assistance on this investigation from Roseland Police Dept., Pokagon Tribal Police Dept., Notre Dame Police Dept., South Bend Police Dept., New Carlisle Police Dept., and the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s staff. It was a countywide effort."

In a statement, Roseland Town Marshall Avery Minor, said “I want to thank the County Police and all the other agencies who have worked tirelessly since Thursday morning on this homicide investigation. They truly are partners, not only during this investigation but day in and day out. This is an isolated incident for the small town of Roseland and we are confident that our town remains the same safe space it has been for residents and visitors.”

Miles will have an arraignment hearing early this coming week, police said.