SANDPOINT — Criminal proceedings are being reinstated against a Bonner County man accused of attempted murder.

The case against Joshua Carl Skandunas were put on hold after questions were raised about his fitness to proceed and assist in his own defense. Skandunas was ordered hospitalized earlier this month and his competency has since been restored.

"It appears that Mr. Skandunas is competent," Bonner County Magistrate Court Judge Tera Harden said during a brief review hearing on Wednesday that was conducted via video conferencing with the county jail.

Harden scheduled a preliminary hearing for Jan. 13 after reviewing a mental health evaluation that was conducted by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. The evaluation was filed under seal with the court and the questions about his competency have not been disclosed in publicly available court records.

Skandunas, 48, is accused of stabbing a woman at an apartment complex on North Division Avenue on Aug. 29. Skandunas allegedly told the woman he was there to deliver a package, but she refused him entry into her apartment, according to a Sandpoint Police affidavit.

Witnesses told police they saw Skandunas chasing the woman while wielding a butcher knife. Officers found the woman with stab wounds to her upper torso, but she survived the attack after seeking refuge in another apartment.

Skandunas allegedly forced his way into the apartment, but was repelled by its occupant, the affidavit said. Skandunas is further charged with burglary for gaining entry to the apartment, according to court documents.

The alleged victim was gathering her mail when she was confronted by Skandunas.

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. He was ordered hospitalized at a state facility in Blackfoot or Orofino while his competency was restored. It is not clear in court documents at which facility Skandunas was hospitalized.

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