SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man accused of stabbing his estranged wife at an apartment complex is being committed to a state hospital, court records show.

Counsel for the Idaho Department of Correction notified attorneys in Joshua Carl Skandunas' case that he does not require admission in the department's security medical program. As a result, Skandunas will be admitted to the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare hospital in Blackfoot or Orofino, according to court documents.

Both facilities treat court-committed patients.

Skandunas' fitness to proceed and ability to assist in his own defense were drawn into question for unspecified reasons earlier this year. A mental health evaluation is filed under seal in the case.

Skandunas, 48, is charged with attempted first-degree murder and burglary in connection with the alleged knife attack in the 1100 block of North Division Avenue on Aug. 29.

Witnesses told Sandpoint Police that they saw the alleged victim being chased by a man with a butcher knife, a probable cause affidavit said. Officers located a woman with stab wounds to her upper torso.

The alleged victim told investigators she was collecting her mail when Skandunas appeared and said he had a package for her and asked to be let into her apartment, the affidavit said. When she refused the request, Skandunas alleged produced the knife and began attacking her.

The woman took refuge in another apartment, but Skandunas allegedly forced his way into the dwelling. He was ejected from the apartment by one of its residents, according to court documents.

Under questioning by investigators, Skandunas conceded that he may have stabbed the woman, but said he couldn't recall details from the confrontation, the police affidavit said.

Skandunas competency fell into question prior to a preliminary hearing in the case, court records show. Judge Lori Meulenberg ordered for Skandunas to be committed until his competency was restored.

Skandunas was considered for placement in Idaho's security medical program, which is located at Idaho State Maximum Security Institution south of Boise.

However, IDOC declined to admit Skandunas in the security medical program after consulting with Health & Welfare and Bonner County Jail officials.

"This information consistently referred to defendant's demeanor as calm and cooperative since the time of his arrest. The jail did not report any disturbances or other behavior to indicate he is a danger to other since his arrest," Deputy Attorney General Karin Magnelli said in a admission denial notice.

Magnelli said in court documents that Skandunas does not appear to present a danger to others and a highly restrictive, maximum-security environment does not appear to be appropriate and may aggravate his mental health symptoms.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com or followed on Twitter @KeithDailyBee