From The Press of Atlantic City - Two farm workers are recovering from stab wounds, a third has been arrested and a fourth man is at large after an attempted roadside robbery Thursday afternoon in the Nesco section of the township, police said.

Hammonton residents Roberto Ordonez, 22, and Hiberto Perez, 19, were walking with another man down the 3000 block of Nesco Road at about 12:15 p.m. when two men emerged from the woods across the street and demanded money, police said. The three refused.

Jose L. Perez, a 22-year-old unrelated to the younger victim, stabbed Ordonez and Hiberto Perez, cutting both men in the arms and Ordonez in his face and chest, police said. Blood spattered the pavement.

The victims’ unidentified companion rushed into nearby Nesco Liquor Store. An employee called 911. Jose L. Perez hid in the woods, then walked out later as Hammonton emergency personnel treated the victims. Police arrested him.

The other suspect has not been identified or caught. He was described as a short man in his 20s wearing a red shirt.

Nothing was stolen from the three men, who live and work on a Hammonton blueberry farm, police said. Jose L. Perez carried a North Carolina farm worker identification.

Ordonez was airlifted to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City, where he was listed in fair condition early in the evening. Hiberto Perez was treated at Kessler Memorial Hospital in Hammonton, then transferred to Cooper Medical Center in Camden. His condition is unknown.

Jose L. Perez faces charges of robbery, aggravated assault and conspiracy and is being held in the Atlantic County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bail. He also faces deportation as an illegal immigrant.

The wooded area near the crime scene is thick and strewn with dozens of beer cans; police believe it is a makeshift camping area.

Township police urged witnesses to call 609-965-1200 or 609-561-7600.

To e-mail Eric Scott Campbell at The Press:

ECampbell@pressofac.com