A suspect in the deadly Cheers Pub shooting has been placed under arrest.

On Saturday, Dec. 18, investigators with St. Joseph County Police detective bureau arrested Michael Allen Miles, 31, of South Bend, on a preliminary charge of murder.

Witnesses at the scene allege that Miles and the victim, Rolando Saenz Jr., 39, got into a physical altercation inside Cheers Pub in Roseland during the early hours of Thursday, Dec. 16.

Miles allegedly pulled out a handgun, firing one shot into Saenz’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,” states Sheriff Bill Redman.

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.”

Roseland Town Marshall Avery Minor adds, “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.”

The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s office is preparing formal charging documents and Miles will have an arraignment hearing early this coming week.

The sentencing range for Murder is 45 to 65 years.