Richie was arrested after CHP officers responded at 12:31 a.m. Monday to two 911 callers who reported seeing a 2005 black Mercedes SUV going the wrong way on the 134 Highway, says Workman.

The Simple Life star, 25, was alone and talking on her cell phone when officers approached her car. "She told (them) she was lost, and had been following a friend," Workman tells PEOPLE.

Richie was put through a series of field sobriety tests, which she failed. "She was not given a Breathalyzer because the officers didn't believe she was under the influence of an alcoholic beverage," Workman says. Richie admitted she had taken Vicodin and smoked pot.

Richie was booked in Glendale and "was cooperative," said agent John Balian of the local police force.
ABC Television captured Richie being questioned. ABC has offices near the exit ramp which Richie used to enter the freeway going the wrong way. ABC security guards noticed the commotion on their monitors and trained their security camera in that direction reports TMZ.

The pictures show Richie talking to CHP officers.

"This is a difficult time for Nicole but she is prepared to accept whatever responsibility is appropriate," says Richie's attorney Howard Weitzman in a statement to TMZ. "She intends to continue with her career and will deal with any other issues that need to be addressed."

Her bail was posted at $15,000 and she was released at 7:17 a.m.