An Elburn limousine driver has filed suit against a former passenger, claiming the man punched him numerous times in the back of the head while he was driving at highway speeds on Interstate 88.

Richard Sutich of Elburn brought the legal action Thursday against David Bode, alleging Bode’s actions left him disfigured and with “long-term or permanent hearing and neurological damage,” according to a complaint filed against Bode in DuPage County court.

The complaint states Sutich had picked up Bode and his girlfriend from the United Center in Chicago on Oct. 8, 2011, in a black Lincoln sedan limo with no partition between the driver and the back seat.

The Chicago Blackhawks had played the Dallas Stars at the United Center that evening, winning 5-2.

The complaint states while Sutich was driving west on I-88 toward Bode’s home, Bode became irate and, from the back seat and without provocation, punched Sutich “on and about the head” numerous times. The complaint states Sutich raised his arm to shield his head from the blows, but Bode punched him each time Sutich would lower his arm from the defensive posture.

Sutich stopped the vehicle along I-88 in Oak Park, where police intervened.

The complaint states Sutich “anticipated he would be struck, and feared he would lose control of the vehicle … crash and probably die if [Bode’s] blows caused [Sutich] to become unconscious or otherwise unable to effectively operate the vehicle.”

The complaint does not state why Bode allegedly struck Sutich, but claims Bode was “extremely intoxicated” at the time of the incident. Bode was charged with misdemeanor battery as a result of the incident and domestic battery for also allegedly striking his girlfriend in the face.

DuPage County court documents state that the punches left “observable bruises and cuts” on the woman’s face.

Bode pleaded not guilty. He is scheduled to stand trial Aug. 15 in Wheaton.

Sutich’s suit against Bode is next scheduled to be in court on Oct. 30.