I’m sure most of you have heard of the phrase, “It’s my way or the highway.” It’s another way of saying: “I’m right; your information doesn’t matter, and don’t try to confuse me with the facts.”

This seems to be the attitude of protesters in Allentown who have submitted a list of demands to City Council calling for sweeping police reforms in the wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis but, more recently, in Allentown where a police officer briefly put his leg on the head of a suspect who resisted arrest.

The episode was captured on video by a passing motorist, and it got a lot of social media attention. It also led to a spontaneous protest march organized by Black Lives Matter advocates on July 11, the night of the incident, followed by another two days later. The coalition of protesters has been growing steadily.

Allentown Police Chief Glenn Granitz Jr. asked the Lehigh County District Attorney to review not only the citizen’s video but also nine minutes of security footage taken at Sacred Heart-St. Luke’s Hospital where the incident occurred and police bodycam footage.

After his investigation last week, DA Jim Martin concluded that the two police officers involved in restraining the man did nothing wrong, so his office will not initiate any charges. Granitz also said the DA’s conclusion, along with his internal investigation, satisfies him that no disciplinary action needs to be taken against the officers.

Not satisfied with this investigation or officials’ decision, the protesters are calling for the state Attorney General Josh Shapiro to get involved.

Martin concluded that the officer used reasonable force in subduing Edward Borrero Jr., 42, of Allentown, who was staggering on the streets, vomiting and appearing disoriented in front of the hospital.

Borrero was drunk, in distress and needed medical help, Martin said. “He was a danger to himself and possibly others.”

“He was clearly agitated and noncompliant, and in order to gain control of him so that he was no longer a danger, and could be medically treated, it was necessary for the officers to restrain him. That restraint was reasonable,” Martin said in a news release. Martin also said bodycam footage will not be released at this time since it is part of the ongoing investigation.

Martin refused to release the officers’ identity, saying that this is consistent with his office’s policy not to name persons who have not been charged with a crime. The officers were at the hospital waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test of a prisoner when they encountered Borrero.

Martin is rejecting the notion that somehow this incident is in the same mold as what happened in Minneapolis. The officer kneeled on Borrero’s head, not neck, for about eight seconds to get him under control, Martin said. At no time was Borrero unable to breathe.

Borrero was released the same night after treatment and is facing misdemeanor charges for possession of a hypodermic needle, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 14.

Justan Parker, the leader of the Black Lives Matter movement in the Lehigh Valley, called Martin’s decision “ridiculous” and “disgusting” and promised to conduct additional protests and phone and email campaigns “to get justice.” Parker is basically saying, “Meet our demands, period.”

Martin’s decision also has been criticized by Lehigh Valley Stands Up, which said the officers used excessive force against a person who was clearly in distress.

The incident has brought unwelcome national attention to the city, too. U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., said the officer went too far and called for police reforms. The decision was also condemned by the Congressional Black Caucus, which has been speaking out about excessive force by white officers against Black suspects.

Allentown officials, including Mayor Ray O’Connell, have met with protesters, promised to consider their demands and supported the investigation into the allegations of excessive force. Now a determination has been made, but that doesn’t sit well with the protesters.

Getting at the truth is a deliberate process of discovery, not the exclusive province of an anointed few who then inform the rest of us.

Peaceful protests in Allentown and other area communities are important to address inequalities and can be part of a catalyst for meaningful change, but protesters must understand that you win some and you lose some. As long as both sides show good faith, consideration and respect for each other, something good might come out of all of this.

BRUCE FRASSINELLI | tneditor@tnonline.com