Arnold Gooch, 49, of Doylestown faces a felony DUI charge after Central Bucks Regional Police say he rode an e-bike through multiple stop signs near North Broad Street while intoxicated and ignored officers trying to pull him over.

Gooch was arrested Oct. 19 and sent to Bucks County Prison in lieu of $3,500 bail, Central Bucks Now first reported. He is charged with felony DUI and attempting to flee an officer, among other counts, according to the criminal complaint.

The incident began Oct. 12 at 10:23 a.m., when officers went to notify Gooch that he was no longer welcome at the Doylestown Beer Authority at 10 Atkinson Drive because of a separate incident. If he returned, he would face trespassing charges, according to the complaint.

Officers found Gooch riding a black e-bike in the area of North Broad Street and Atkinson Drive. When they tried to approach him, he ran through multiple stop signs and ignored their attempts to initiate a traffic stop, police said.

When officers detained him, they said he smelled of alcohol. He refused all sobriety tests.

Police said Gooch has prior DUI charges and convictions. The specific number of those prior offenses, which can elevate a DUI to felony level under Pennsylvania law, was not detailed in the complaint.

Magisterial District Judge Brian M. Marriott arraigned Gooch on Oct. 19 at 4:50 p.m. His preliminary hearing is set for Nov. 2 at 1:30 p.m. before Magisterial District Judge Mark D. Douple.

E-bikes and traffic law in Bucks County

The arrest comes as local police departments have been stepping up guidance on electric mobility devices. In September, New Britain Township Police issued a reminder that e-bike riders must obey traffic lights, stop signs and other traffic controls, just like traditional bicyclists.

E-bike motors allow riders to travel faster than conventional bicycles, which creates a greater hazard when riders blow through stop signs or traffic signals, New Britain Township Police said.

Under Pennsylvania law, e-bikes are classified as vehicles but not motor vehicles. Riders do not need a license, registration or insurance, but they must follow all traffic laws. Riders must be at least 16 years old, according to guidance the Buckingham Township Police Department posted in July 2025.

The legal landscape may be shifting. The Pennsylvania House recently passed a bill to legalize and regulate electric scooters on public streets, sidewalks and bike lanes, Stateline reported. The bill includes speed limits and helmet requirements and heads to the state Senate next.

Gooch has not entered a plea. His preliminary hearing is Nov. 2.

Anyone with information about this case can contact Central Bucks Regional Police.