INDIANAPOLIS - A man who engaged in a drunken high-speed car chase that led to a crash and the death of his passenger was sentenced Thursday.

Cornelius McClendon, 49, was sentenced to eight years in prison plus two years on work release for his role in the July 1, 2011, incident that killed William Gammon.

The judge called McClendon's plea agreement lenient.

Officials said McClendon admitted to drinking a pint of vodka and six beers before the crash.

Witnesses told police that a Lincoln Continental, which was being driven by McClendon, was being chased by a black Chevrolet Silverado, reaching speeds up to 90 mph.

McClendon lost control of the car, which flipped, struck a tree and went through a fence and up an embankment before landing against a house, witnesses said.

Gammon, who was lodged into the car's windshield during the crash, was pronounced dead at the scene.

McClendon was transported to the hospital in critical condition.

At the time of the crash, McClendon had one prior DUI arrest.