Thanks in advance for any help.

Left driveway, on highway 5 minutes and the orange brake light (under gas hand) came on. Started blinking. Checked to make sure hand brake was properly down, it was. Started blinking faster, all the dash lights lit up and back off, brake light kept blinking. Car started slowing down even though I was pressing the pedal. I pulled over to the side and all the dash lights lit up again, the orange brake light was blinking rapidly with a lock pad on it and I could hear something clicking. Then the car shutdown. Dead. This all happened pretty fast. The gear stick won't move. The key is worthless. The car acts dead. First time this has happened and first time with this brake light, and the others lighting up.

 

Sorry you’re having trouble with your HHR, these symptoms indicate a dead battery situation, the computers in the car can’t work with12.4 volts, so then there’s the low voltage issue in which case the alternator should be charging at 14.4 volts or there abouts.
the brake warning light in the dash was the first indication, the rest of the dash lights and the key problem are other indicators

How old is that battery ?
Have you inspected the under hood fuse box for loose fuses and relays?
is the serpentine belt still on the pullies?

 

There is nothing in the brake warning system that would cause the brake light to blink. It comes on solid if there is a brake problem detected or if the parking brake is engaged. Also, there is not a "lock pad" on that brake warning light (which is red in color).
You say it was an orange brake light so you must be mistaken on which warning light was blinking. Security or ABS light maybe ?

Like Oldblue stated, sounds like a low or dead battery.