LASSIE'S TRAINER FACING DUI CHARGE.

Byline: Mary Schubert Daily News Staff Writer

Lassie trainer Robert Weatherwax pleaded not guilty Wednesday to misdemeanor charges of drunk driving and hitting a peace officer after his arrest near his Canyon Country home.

Weatherwax, 57, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence about 1 a.m. in the 16100 block of Soledad Canyon Road, officials said. A Breathalyzer test conducted about three hours later measured his blood-alcohol level at 0.20, more than twice the 0.08 limit at which a motorist is considered to be drunk.

Newhall Municipal Court Judge Alan Rosenfield set a Dec. 16 hearing for Weatherwax, who was released on his own recognizance.

The battery charge stems from Weatherwax's combative behavior toward Santa Clarita Valley station Lt. Michael Bornman, 43, who was trying to take the famed dog trainer into custody, officials said. Weatherwax also tried to run from the scene while being detained.

``He was punched in the chest a few times by this guy,'' said Lt. Steve Dolan. ``He was resisting, so he had to be physically taken down to the ground and handcuffed.''

Bornman was on patrol when he pulled over Weatherwax for erratic driving, Dolan said.

Weatherwax is the son of Lassie's original owner and trainer, the late Rudd Weatherwax. In 1989, Robert Weatherwax was grand marshal of the city's Fourth of July parade.