SANDPOINT — Charges are slated to be downgraded against two men accused of attacking a Canadian man along U.S. Highway 95 and crashing into his vehicle.

Hunter Michael Donahoe was charged with attempted murder, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, attempted kidnapping, reckless driving and battery. Cody James Walker was charged with aggravated assault, attempted kidnapping, reckless driving and battery.

Preliminary hearings in both men’s cases were set for Wednesday, but counsel for Donahoe, Sandpoint attorney Jeremy Featherston, advised the court that the charges were being referred to Bonner County Magistrate Court, where misdemeanor criminal matters are adjudicated. Featherston added that the cases remain under investigation.

Donahoe and Walker, both 20, were arrested following a Sept. 30 incident which began with Walker posting to social media photos of snowmobiling gear he was trying to sell, according to court documents.

A British Columbia man replied to the post, but asked if Walker would be willing to pose for pictures in his underwear, a probable cause affidavit said. Walker claimed he was 17 during the exchange, prompting the man to offer additional.

A meeting was arranged at the Westmond Store, where the man told police he was set upon by Donahoe, Walker and others who attempted to keep the man from leaving. The man was able to break away and flee down U.S. 95, the affidavit said. However, Donahoe and Walker gave chase in their vehicles. Donahoe is accused of ramming the Canadian man’s pickup before crashing into him to bring an end to the chase.

The man told Idaho State Police he was attacked and threatened while being held at gunpoint, court documents said.

Change of plea and sentencing hearings are set for Nov. 8,

Both men are free on $25,0000 surety bonds whiles the cases are pending, court records show.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.