What is the consequence of a juvenile runaway refusing to accompany an officer?

The appropriate response to a juvenile runaway refusing to accompany an officer is that it may lead to a charge of interfering with a police officer. This is because when an officer is attempting to take custody of a juvenile who is a runaway, the juvenile's refusal to comply can obstruct the officer's ability to carry out their lawful duties. Interference with a police officer encompasses actions that hinder or impede their lawful actions, which in this case includes the attempt to take a runaway juvenile into protective custody.

In situations involving juveniles, officers typically have a responsibility to ensure their safety and welfare, and any refusal to comply with a lawful order by an officer can be considered an interference with that duty. This charge is often used to address situations where individuals, including juveniles, prevent law enforcement from performing their required functions effectively.

Understanding this concept is critical in recognizing the legal framework that applies to interactions between law enforcement and individuals, especially minors, in various scenarios.