Running away is not a crime. Because they are juveniles, the child will be entered into a national database (NCIC). If an officer anywhere in the country runs a check on the child, a hit will come up advising the officer of the runaway status.

What happens if a 16 year old runs away in Arizona?

If a 16-year-old leaves home without permission from a parent or legal guardian, he or she can be prosecuted as an incorrigible child (A.R.S. § 8-201(16)(c)).

Can you get in trouble for letting a runaway stay with you?

You could be charged with Harboring a Runaway (also called Aiding and Abetting), or Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. In most cases these wont be felony charges, but they are considered to be very serious misdemeanors and could result in several months of jail time and substantial fines.

Can I throw my son out at 16?

In the case of children between the age of 16 and 18, parental responsibility ends if the child marries. Therefore, if either of you do have parental responsibility for this boy, it would be inadvisable to throw him out.